A buckling analysis of temperature-dependent embedded plates reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) subjected to a magnetic field is investigated. The SWCNTs are distributed as uniform (UD) and three types of functionally graded nanotubes (FG), in which the material properties of the nano-composite plate are estimated based on the mixture rule. The surrounding temperature-dependent elastic medium is simulated as Pasternak foundation. Based on the orthotropic Mindlin plate theory, the governing equations are derived using Hamilton's principle. The buckling load of the structure is calculated based on an exact solution by the Navier method. The influences of elastic medium, magnetic field, temperature and distribution type, and volume fractions of SWCNT are shown on the buckling of the plate. Results indicate that CNT distribution close to the top and bottom are more efficient than that distributed near the mid-plane for increasing the stiffness of the plates.

The method of calculations of a thick plate on the two-parameter layered foundation by the finiteelement method is presented. The numerical model allows to add a few (number of) foundationlayers. The expressions for the element stiffness matrices of the foundation are based on 18-nodezero-thickness interface elements. For modelling of thick plates the 9-node Mindlin element of theLagrange family is used. The formulation of the problem takes into account the shear deformation ofthe plate and unilateral contact conditions between plate and foundation. The tensionless characterof the foundation is achieved by removing from the global stiffness matrix the appropriate partof foundation stiffness attached to the node being in the separation stage. The advantages of theproposed algorithm are illustrated by numerical examples.