Optimization of volume fractions for functionally graded panels considering stress and critical temperature

Volume fraction optimization of Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) is investigated considering stress and critical temperature. Material properties are assumed to be temperature dependent, and are assumed to be varied continuously in the thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituent materials. The effective material properties are obtained by applying linear rule of mixtures. The 3-D finite element model is adopted using an 18-node solid element to analyze more accurately the variation of material properties and temperature field in the thickness direction. For the various FGMs volume fraction distributions, mechanical stress analysis and thermo-mechanical buckling analysis are performed to get the critical conditions. Finally, the optimal designs of FGMs panels are investigated for stress reduction and improving thermo-mechanical buckling behavior.