Modeling of a functionally graded material (FGM) subjected to mechanical loading

• Main Author: Hoong, Pei Yu.
• Other Authors: Ng Heong Wah
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Composite materials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/16973
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report describes a finite element analysis of a Functionally Graded Material (FGM) subjected to mechanical loading for the estimation of the effective thermo-physical properties based on two commercial programs; a FE program (ANSYS) and spreadsheet software (EXCEL). A FGM is a composite, consisting of two or more phases, which is fabricated such that its composition varies in some spatial direction. Two pure substances that make up the composite are namely Ceramic (ZrO2 – 8%Y2O3) and Nickel Alloy (NiCoCrAlY). These materials are to be randomly distributed in a model and analyzed. EXCEL performs the random allocation of element positions for the three materials in the model, thus allowing the model to have a homogeneous distribution of the three materials. The randomized model from EXCEL is imported into ANSYS for the analysis of the effective properties. The properties to be found are Young Modulus (E), Thermal Conductivity (K), Heat Capacity (Cp) and Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α). For each property, the results are compiled and graphically presented at different volumetric fraction for comparison and discussion. Results have shown that each of the effective properties follow power law relationship instead of known rules-of-mixture. FGM also exhibits interesting property changes as volumetric fraction of the two materials change.