Static Analysis of FG Microplates with Non-Uniform Thickness Using the FEM

This work conducts a static evaluation of functionally graded (FG) microplates with varying thickness using the finite element method (FEM) grounded on the modified couple stress theory (MCST). The inclusion of the length-scale parameter facilitates the capture of size-dependent effects, which are critical in micro-scale structures. The fundamental equations are formulated using the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and the idea of virtual work. A finite element formulation is created and evaluated by comparing it with existing benchmark results. Numerical examples demonstrate the influence of material gradation, thickness variation, and length-scale parameter on the bending response of FG microplates.