On the vibration and buckling behaviors of porous FG beams resting on variable elastic foundation utilizing higher-order shear deformation theory

Using a three-variable higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT), this research proposes an analytical method for studying the free vibration and stability of perfect and imperfect functionally graded (FG) beams resting on variable elastic foundations (VEFs). Unlike the other HSDTs, in this study, the number of unknown functions involved is only three, while the other HSDTs include four unknown functions. Besides, this theory meets the boundary requirements of zero tension on the beam surfaces and allows for hyperbolic distributions of transverse shear stresses without the need for shear correction factors. The elastic medium is supposed to have two parameters (i.e., Winkler–Pasternak foundations), with the Winkler parameter in the longitudinal direction being variable variations (linear, parabolic, sinusoidal, cosine, exponential, and uniform) and the Pasternak parameter being fixed, at first.1 The effective material characteristics of the FG beam are assumed to follow a simple power-law distribution in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the influence of porosity is investigated by considering four distinct types of porosity distribution patterns. First, the equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle, and then Navier’s method is used to solve the system of equations for the FG beam with simply supported ends analytically. The correctness of the current formulation is demonstrated by comparing them with the results of open literature. Finally, parametric studies are done to explore the impacts of various parameters on the free vibration and buckling behaviors of FG beams. The new theory is shown to be not only correct but also simple in predicting the free vibration and buckling responses of FG beams resting on VEFs.