Stress Analysis of Functionally Graded Thick-Cylinders Subjected to Mechanical and Thermal Loads

Thermo-mechanical stresses in functionally graded (FG) thick-walled cylindrical vessels are investigated in this paper. The cylinder is assumed to be made of a functionally graded material (FGM) with varying material properties in the radial direction. The modulus of elasticity, thermal conductivity, and coefficient of thermal expansion are expressed using power laws. The hollow cylinder is subjected to axisymmetric mechanical and thermal loading. Governing equations are developed for the desired configuration by using equations of equilibrium, stain-displacement relation, and Hooke’s law. A computer program is written in Maple −14 to show the effect of the power indices on the radial, tangential, axial, and Von-Mises stress distributions. The results are compared from the work available in the existing literature. Results show that the Von-Mises stress can be relaxed for specific gradients. Thus, appropriate gradients can be used to make functionally graded cylindrical vessels to maintain structural integrity when subjected to severe mechanical and thermal loads.