• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.569-585
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• 2023

This paper proposes an efficient approach for the structural topology optimization of bi-directional functionally graded structures by incorporating popular radial basis functions (RBFs) into an implicit level set (ILS) method. Compared to traditional element density-based methods, a level set (LS) description of material boundaries produces a smoother boundary description of the design. The paper develops RBF implicit modeling with multiquadric (MQ) splines, thin-plate spline (TPS), exponential spline (ES), and Gaussians (GS) to define the ILS function with high accuracy and smoothness. The optimization problem is formulated by considering RBF-based nodal densities as design variables and minimizing the compliance objective function. A LS-RBF optimization method is proposed to transform a Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation (PDE) into a system of coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) over the entire design domain using a collocation formulation of the method of lines design variables. The paper presents detailed mathematical expressions for BiDFG beams topology optimization with two different material models: continuum functionally graded (CFG) and mechanical functionally graded (MFG). Several numerical examples are presented to verify the method's efficiency, reliability, and success in accuracy, convergence speed, and insensitivity to initial designs in the topology optimization of two-dimensional (2D) structures. Overall, the paper presents a novel and efficient approach to topology optimization that can handle bi-directional functionally graded structures with complex geometries.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.203-223
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• 2024

This study shows functionally graded material structural topology optimization under buckling constraints. The SIMP (Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization) material model is used and a method of moving asymptotes is also employed to update topology design variables. In this study, the quadrilateral element is applied to compute buckling load factors. Instead of artificial density properties, functionally graded materials are newly assigned to distribute optimal topology materials depending on the buckling load factors in a given design domain. Buckling load factor formulations are derived and confirmed by the resistance of functionally graded material properties. However, buckling constraints for functionally graded material topology optimization have not been dealt with in single material. Therefore, this study aims to find the minimum compliance topology optimization and the buckling load factor in designing the structures under buckling constraints and generate the functionally graded material distribution with asymmetric stiffness properties that minimize the compliance. Numerical examples verify the superiority and reliability of the present method.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.15-29
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• 2024

This research investigates the application of novel functionally graded small-scale materials (FGSMs) in sport and sports structures through an engineering design lens. Functionally graded materials (FGMs) offer tailored material properties, promising enhanced performance and durability. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, this study explores the integration of FGSMs in sports equipment and infrastructure. Design considerations specific to sports engineering are emphasized, including lightweight, high-strength materials capable of withstanding dynamic loads. Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as additive manufacturing and nanotechnology, enable precise control over material composition and microstructure. Computational modeling is employed to evaluate the mechanical behavior and performance characteristics of FGSM-based components. Through case studies and comparative analyses, the study showcases the potential of FGSMs to revolutionize sports equipment and structures, offering improved performance, safety, and sustainability. This research contributes to the advancement of sports engineering by exploring the design and application of FGSMs in sport and sports structures.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.263-271
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• 2017

A theoretical study was carried-out of mode II delamination fracture behavior of the End Loaded Split (ELS) functionally graded beam configuration with considering the material non-linearity. The mechanical response of ELS was modeled analytically by using a power-law stress-strain relation. It was assumed that the material is functionally graded transversally to the beam. The non-linear fracture was investigated by using the J-integral approach. Equations were derived for the crack arm curvature and zero axes coordinate that are needed for the J-integral solution. The analysis developed is valid for a delamination crack located arbitrary along the beam height. The J-integral solution was verified by analyzing the strain energy release rate with considering material non-linearity. The effects of material gradient, non-linear material behavior and crack location on the fracture were evaluated. The solution derived is suitable for parametric analyses of non-linear fracture. The results obtained can be used for optimization of functionally graded beams with respect to their mode II fracture performance. Also, such simplified analytical models contribute for the understanding of delamination fracture in functionally graded beams exhibiting material non-linearity.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.329-342
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• 2017

This work presents a static and free vibration analysis of functionally graded metal-ceramic (FG) beams with considering porosities that may possibly occur inside the functionally graded materials (FGMs) during their fabrication. A new displacement field containing integrals is proposed which involves only three variables. Based on the suggested theory, the equations of motion are derived from Hamilton's principle. This theory involves only three unknown functions and accounts for parabolic distribution of transverse shear stress. In addition, the transverse shear stresses are vanished at the top and bottom surfaces of the beam. The Navier solution technique is adopted to derive analytical solutions for simply supported beams. The accuracy and effectiveness of proposed model are verified by comparison with previous research. A detailed numerical study is carried out to examine the influence of the deflections, stresses and natural frequencies on the bending and free vibration responses of functionally graded beams.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.363-375
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• 2024

Within the optimization field, addressing the intricate posed by fluidic pressure loads on functionally graded structures with frequency-related designs is a kind of complex design challenges. This paper thus introduces an innovative density-based topology optimization strategy for frequency-constraint functionally graded structures incorporating Darcy's law and a drainage term. It ensures consistent treatment of design-dependent fluidic pressure loads to frequency-related structures that dynamically adjust their direction and location throughout the design evolution. The porosity of each finite element, coupled with its drainage term, is intricately linked to its density variable through a Heaviside function, ensuring a seamless transition between solid and void phases. A design-specific pressure field is established by employing Darcy's law, and the associated partial differential equation is solved using finite element analysis. Subsequently, this pressure field is utilized to ascertain consistent nodal loads, enabling an efficient evaluation of load sensitivities through the adjoint-variable method. Moreover, this novel approach incorporates load-dependent structures, frequency constraints, functionally graded material models, and polygonal meshes, expanding its applicability and flexibility to a broader range of engineering scenarios. The proposed methodology's effectiveness and robustness are demonstrated through numerical examples, including fluidic pressure-loaded frequency-constraint structures undergoing small deformations, where compliance is minimized for structures optimized within specified resource constraints.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.19-30
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• 2021

This study presents buckling analysis of a simply supported sandwich plate with functionally graded porous layers. In the kinematic relation of the plate, a hyperbolic shear displacement model is used. The governing equations of the problem are derived by using the principle of virtual work. In the solution of the governing equations, the Navier procedure is implemented. In the porosity effect, four different porosity types are used for functionally graded sandwich layers. In the numerical examples, the effects of the porosity parameters, porosity types and geometry parameters on the critical buckling of the functionally graded sandwich plates are investigated.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.221-245
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• 2013

This paper presents an analytical solution to the thermomechanical bending analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates by using a new hyperbolic shear deformation theory in which the stretching effect is included. The modulus of elasticity of plates is assumed to vary according to a power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The core layer is still homogeneous and made of an isotropic ceramic material. The effects of functionally graded material (FGM) layer thickness, volume fraction index, layer thickness ratio, thickness ratio and aspect ratio on the deflections and stresses of functionally graded sandwich plates are investigated.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.59-73
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• 2016

In this paper, a hyperbolic shear deformation beam theory is developed for free vibration analysis of functionally graded (FG) sandwich beams. The theory account for higher-order variation of transverse shear strain through the depth of the beam and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the beam without using shear correction factors. The material properties of the functionally graded sandwich beam are assumed to vary according to power law distribution of the volume fraction of the constituents. The core layer is still homogeneous and made of an isotropic material. Based on the present refined beam theory, the equations of motion are derived from Hamilton's principle. Navier type solution method was used to obtain frequencies. Illustrative examples are given to show the effects of varying gradients and thickness to length ratios on free vibration of functionally graded sandwich beams.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.139-149
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• 2023

This article investigates the statically analysis regarding the thermal buckling behavior of a nonuniform small-scale nanobeam made of functionally graded material based on classic beam theories along with the nonlocal Eringen elasticity. The material distribution of functionally graded structures is composed of temperature-dependent ceramic and metal phases in axial and thickness directions, called two-dimensional functionally graded (2D-FG). The partial differential (PD) formulations and end conditions are extracted by using to the conservation energy method. The porosity voids are assumed in the nonuniform functionally graded (FG) structure. The thermal loads are in the axial direction of the beam. The extracted nonlocal PD equations are also solved by employing generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM). Last but not least, the information acquired is used to produce miniature sensors, providing a unique perspective on the growth of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS).