Torsion of a functionally graded elastic rod

• Main Author: Ong, Yong Qin
• Other Authors: Wu Mao See
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Functionally graded
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/176292
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Functionally graded material (FGM) is a unique type of composite that combines two or more homogenous materials to create a microstructure that allows the material’s properties to vary gradually. This helps prevent stress concentration. Although the concept began decades ago, there is still a lack of understanding of their behavior under applied loads. Research and development are still ongoing to understand the stresses experienced by FGMs so that more effective uses of FGMs can be discovered. In this study, an elastic model was developed for an FGM rod subjected to applied torque. Wolfram Mathematica was used to model and simulate the stresses and displacements. Different types of radial gradients were investigated, and the results were compared. The results obtained suggest that for a rod subjected to pure torsion, only shear stress is experienced while the other stresses do not exist. Radial and axial displacements are zero. To keep shear stress low at the inner radius, a positive gradient is preferred, while at the outer radius a negative gradient is preferred. The angle of twist produced is insignificant. These results will be useful in further understanding of the application of FGMs in mechanical and aerospace engineering.