Mixed-interpolated finite elements for functionally graded cylindrical shells

In this paper cylindrical shells made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) are studied. A two-constituent material distribution through the thickness is considered, varying with a simple power rule of mixture. The equations governing the FGMs shells are determined using a variational formulation arising from the Naghdi theory. Moreover a strategy to achieve an improved transverse shear factor is investigated by energy equivalence. To approximate the problem a family of mixed-interpolated finite elements is used. It is based on a suitable reduction of the shear and membrane energy. Several numerical simulations are carried out in order to show the capability of the proposed elements to capture the properties of shells of various gradings, subjected to thermo-mechanical loads.