Optimization of Functionally Graded Structural Members by Means of New Effective Properties Estimation Method

Area of Science:

• Composite Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Functionally graded materials (FGMs) require precise control over reinforcement distribution for optimal performance.
• Estimating effective mechanical properties of heterogeneous composites is crucial for structural design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative method for effective composite mechanical properties estimation.
• To optimize the reinforcement distribution in functionally graded structural elements.
• To derive analytical formulae for effective elastic properties based on inclusion volume fraction.

Main Methods:

• Application of a novel method based on mechanical equivalence between real heterogeneous and fictitious quasi-homogeneous composite configurations.
• Derivation of analytical formulae relating effective elastic properties to the volume fraction of reinforcing inclusions.

Main Results:

• The proposed method provides analytical expressions for effective composite properties.
• The derived formulae explicitly show the dependence on the volume fraction of reinforcing inclusions.
• The method's applicability is demonstrated using a circular bar subjected to torsion.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers an effective approach for estimating composite mechanical properties.
• This technique facilitates the optimization of reinforcement distribution in FGMs.
• The analytical formulae derived are valuable for designing and analyzing composite structures.