Abstract: Based on the classical plate theory and assumption the electroelastic properties varying with a power form of thickness coordinate variables, the buckling equations of piezoelectric functionally gradient thin plate subjected to applied electric field are derived by means of a modified classical laminate theory involving piezoelectric coupling terms. Critical voltage for a simply supported rectangular thin plate under uniform electric field is presented by using Navier solutions. The influences of the geometrical size of plate, functionally gradient index and displacement at midplane of plate on the critical voltage are discussed. It was found that the effects of the gradient index are significant, so we should pay more attention to checking the buckling intensity in designing and applying piezoelectric functionally gradient materials.

Key words: buckling, piezoelectric material, functionally gradie nt material, rectangular thin plate