On the Finite Element Modeling of Metal/Ceramic Functionally Graded Beams Subjected to Non-Uniform Static Bending

Abstract

Currently, several approaches focused on the optimization of materials design and solutions to respond to the ecological and economic concerns through the development of novel materials and structures. In this connection, functionally graded materials (FGM) known as a new generation of composites with optimized mechanical properties which vary according to a continuous function-law to avoid interfacial debonding and stresses concentration were largely investigated. Accordingly, the main purpose of this work is to advocate a new way to simulate the mechanical behavior of simply supported FGM beams submitted to non-uniform static bending through a finite element modeling (FEM). The power-law function which governs the stiffness distribution of the used metal and ceramic materials are explicitly presented. In addition, a mesh sensitivity was established to assess the optimal mesh size of the modeled FGM based-beams. The simulation outcomes presented in the form stress and strain cartographies were correlated with a good agreement to the analytical results from the literature in term of qualitative and quantitative validations.