Stochastic dynamic analysis of FGSW plates resting on a Pasternak foundation under a moving mass considering parameter uncertainties

The main objective of this article is to investigate the stochastic dynamic response of functionally graded sandwich (FGSW) plates composed of a hard core and two functionally graded (FG) face sheets, resting on a Pasternak foundation (PF) and subjected to a moving mass (MM), while explicitly accounting for uncertainties in material properties and moving mass density. The uncertain parameters are modeled as random variables following normal probability distributions. A finite element formulation based on four-node (Q4) elements is developed within the framework of the refined first-order shear deformation theory (RFSDT), ensuring an accurate representation of transverse shear effects with high computational efficiency. The Pasternak foundation is incorporated through both spring and shear layer stiffness components. The accuracy and validity of the proposed formulation are rigorously verified through comparisons with available benchmark solutions, demonstrating excellent agreement. A comprehensive parametric investigation is then conducted to examine the effects of geometric dimensions, material properties, and foundation stiffness on the dynamic response. The results indicate that both geometric parameters and material properties have a significant influence on the dynamic behavior of the plate under deterministic as well as stochastic conditions. These findings provide valuable theoretical guidance and practical insights for the robust design and reliability assessment of advanced sandwich structures in transportation, aerospace, and defense engineering.