Computational Solutions for FGM Plates under Thermo-Mechanical Loads

Functionally gradient materials (FGM) are one of the most widely used materials with graded properties because of their adaptability to different situations & relative ease of combination with other materials to serve specific purposes. These novel materials used as thermal barrier materials for applications in space planes, space structures, nuclear reactors, turbine rotors, flywheels, & gears to minimize the thermal stresses. The objective of this research work is to perform a thermo-mechanical analysis of FGM plate made of Aluminum/Zirconia. The modulus of elasticity of the plate varies according to a Power-law, Sigmoid & Exponential function in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The displacement, stress & strain fields for FGM plate structure under thermo-mechanical loads are analyzed with aspect ratios, load patterns, boundary conditions & temperature field. The results proclaim that the temperature field & the gradient in the material properties have significant role on the thermo-mechanical behavior of the FGM plates. The goal of this research is to help determine whether the structures constructed of FGM can be used instead of traditional materials.