In this research work, based on the Euler–Bernoulli theory and by means of Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method, free vibration characteristics of functionally graded (FG) beams resting on two-parameter foundation are focused. The two-constituent functionally graded beam consists of ceramic and metal grading through the thickness. A generalized power-law distribution is considered for the ceramic volume fraction. A detailed parametric study is carried out to highlight the influences of different profiles of fiber volume fraction, four parameters of power-law distribution and two-parameter elastic foundation modulus on the vibration characteristics of the FG beams.

• Free vibration analysis of functionally graded beams resting on variable elastic foundations using a generalized power-law distribution and GDQ method