See

discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232389936

Buckling and vibration analysis of functionally

graded composite structures using the finite
element method

Article · June 2009

DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2008.07.022

CITATIONS READS

34 48

3 authors, including:

David Mba
De Montfort University
290 PUBLICATIONS 2,576 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Energy Smart Operations View project

European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA. HMGH- Helicopter Main Gearbox Health” View project

All content following this page was uploaded by David Mba on 13 September 2014.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Composite Structures, Volume 89, Issue 1, June 2009, Pages 134–142

Buckling and Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Composite Structures using the Finite

Element Method

O.O. Oyekoya2, D.U. Mba1 & A.M. El-Zafrany

1&2
Department of Structures Impact and Machine Dynamics, School of Engineering, Cranfield University, Cranfield,

Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, England

1
Email: d.u.mba@cranfield.ac.uk

ABSTRACT

The authors [1] have previously written a paper on structural integrity of functionally graded composite (FGC) structure

using Mindlin-type finite elements. In this paper, the Mindlin-type element and Reissner-type element have been further

developed for the modelling of FGC plate subjected to buckling and free vibration. The Mindlin-type element formulation is

based on averaging of transverse shear distribution over plate thickness using Lagrangian interpolation. The Reissner-type

element formulation is based on parabolic transverse shear distribution over plate thickness using Lagrangian and Hermitian

interpolation. The composite plate considered in this paper is functionally graded in the longitudinal direction only, but the

FE code developed is capable of analysing composite plates with functional gradation in transverse and radial direction as

well. This study was able to show that the structural integrity enhancement and strength maximisation of composite

structures are achievable through functional gradation of material properties over the structure.

KEY WORDS: Functionally graded material, finite element methods, Mindlin-type element, Reissner-type element, finite

strain, progressive damage analysis

1
List of Symbols  Longitudinal direction of the material axis

B Matrix of shape function derivatives  Transverse direction of the material axis

F Nodal load vector c Compressive strength

K Element stiffness matrix f Fibre

q Interpolated displacement component m Matrix

R Residual vector t Tensile strength

 Displacement component x Longitudinal direction of the local axis

 Transverse shear strain vector y Transverse direction of the local axis

 x-y stress vector comp Traditional composite

 Transverse shear stress vector fgm Functionally graded material

 x-y strain vector b Out of plane displacement component


a Acceleration vector uv u and v displacement components
Fi, Gi Hermitian shape functions
w w displacement component
Hi, Pi Hermitian shape functions
o Midplane displacement component
Ni Lagrangian shape functions
 Transverse shear component
U Strain energy
 Bending component
Displacement components along the x, y
u, v, w L Lth layer of composite
and z directions respectively
 Midplane displacement component
V Volume fraction
 Non-linear terms
W Work done by actual load

X Longitudinal strength

Y Transverse strength
1. Introduction

 Non-dimensional x and y location Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) are made such

that the volume fractions of two or more materials are

 Density
varied continuously along a certain dimension. The FGM
 Shear modulus
concept originated in Japan in 1984 during the space-
 Transverse shear deformation
plane project, in the form of a proposed thermal barrier
 Poisson ratio
material capable of withstanding a surface temperature of

2
2000 K and a temperature gradient of 1000 K across a In comparison to existing publications, this paper has

cross section <10 mm [2]. In 2000, Reddy [3] presented a been able to give unique contributions to the subject

theoretical formulation and finite element models based matter. These contributions include Mindlin-type element

on third order shear deformation theory for the analysis of formulation, Reissner-type element formulation, finite

through-thickness functionally graded plates. The Navier strain modelling and smooth fibre distribution technique.

solution for simply supported plates based on the linear The Mindlin-type element formulation is based on an

third-order theory and the non-linear static and dynamic assumption of average transverse shear distribution over

finite element results based on the first-order theory were plate thickness using Lagrangian interpolation. The

presented by Reddy in [3]. The results show the effects of Reissner-type element formulation is based on an

volume fractions and modulus ratio of the constituents on assumption of parabolic transverse shear distribution over

deflections and transverse shear stresses. In 2002, plate thickness using Lagrangian and Hermitian

Javaheri et al. [4] derived equilibrium and stability interpolation. Green’s strain-displacement equation was

equations for rectangular simply supported functionally employed in the finite strain modelling. The smooth fibre

graded plates. Javaheri’s derivation was based on the distribution technique is based on the numerical

classical plate theory with the assumption of power law computation of macro-mechanical properties at Gaussian

composition for the material and he studied the buckling quadrature points.

analysis of functionally graded plates under in-plane The authors [1] have previously written a paper on

compression. In 2004, Chen et al. [2] investigated the structural integrity of functionally graded composite

buckling behaviour of FGM rectangular plates subjected structure using Mindlin-type finite elements. In the paper

to non-linearly distributed in-plane edge loads. Chen et [1], two new Mindlin-type plate bending elements were

al. [2] stated that a mesh-free method which approximates derived for the modelling of functionally graded plate

displacements based on scattered nodes (i.e. radial basis subjected to various loading conditions such as tensile

function and polynomial basis) was employed, in-order to loading, in-plane bending and out-of-plane bending.

avoid complicated numerical procedures that arises in the There were two types of non-linearity considered in the

FEM from the use of elements. This FEM complication modelling of the plate, which include finite strain and

was dealt with in this paper. Other useful studies on material degradation. In the Mindlin-type element

functionally graded materials can be found in these formulation, the transverse shear strain is averaged over

references [5 - 11].

3
plate thickness. Its finite element derivation is based on considered include buckling load constraints and natural

Lagrangian interpolation. frequency constraints. The flow chart below is a good

In order to model the transverse shear strain more description of this optimisation technique concept.

accurately, the Reissner-type element is derived in this

Read data from
input file
paper, which is based on parabolic distribution of
Change the value of the fibre
transverse shear strain over plate thickness. Its finite distribution parameters

element derivation is complex because it is based on

Buckling Dynamic
analysis analysis
Lagrangian and Hermitian interpolations.
Check for buckling Check for dynamic
In this paper, the Mindlin-type element and Reissner- constraints constraints

type element have been further developed for the

modelling of functionally graded composite plate If all constraints are else

satisfied continue

subjected to buckling and free vibration. Vibration and

Optimum design
buckling analysis were then undertaken for different fibre

distribution cases and the effects of fibre distribution were

Figure 1: Optimisation technique
studied. Fibre distribution cases with maximum vibration

frequency and maximum buckling loads were chosen as

2. Micro-mechanics of Fibrous Composites
the optimum design.
This section defines the elastic and strength properties

of FGMs [12]. It also describes the micromechanics

1.1 Optimisation Technique
algorithm and the fibre distribution techniques such as
The optimisation technique used in this paper can be
average and smooth fibre distribution technique.
described as a fail-safe design technique which involves

the imposition of constraints to ensure that the physical

2.1 Elastic Properties of FGMs
limitations of materials or structural properties required
The longitudinal stiffness of a composite can be
for satisfactory performance are not exceeded. This
obtained from the rule or law of mixture which is
optimisation technique involves changing the fibre
represented by the relationship given below.
distribution parameters and running the FE code for the

given fibre distribution, checking to see if all constraints E11  E f Vf  E m Vm (1)

have been satisfied. The constraints that have been The transverse stiffness of a composite is given below.

4
 1 V V
 f  m  E 
E 22 E f E m (2) X c  2 X fs Vf  Vm m  (7)
 E1f 
The in-plane shear modulus can be obtained from a
The transverse tensile strength of FGMs is given below
similar model to that used for obtaining transverse
X mt   rm
stiffness which results in the in-plane shear modulus Yt  (8)
kc
expression as given below.
The transverse compressive strength of FGMs is given
1 Vf Vm
  below.
12  f  m (3)

X mc   rm
The Poisson’s ratio of a composite is given below. Yc  (9)
kc
12  Vf  f  Vm  m (4)
The shear strength of FGMs is given below.

X ms
S (10)
2.2 Strength Properties of FGMs ks
The longitudinal tensile strength of FGMs is given

below.
2.3 Fibre Distribution Techniques
 E  This section explains the implementation of fibre
X t  X ft Vf  Vm m 
 E1f  distribution in the FE code. The equation used for fibre
 E  (5)
X t  X mt Vm  Vf 1f  distribution is given below.
 Em 
V f (ξ )  V1  (V2  V1 ) ξ p (11)
The longitudinal compressive strength of FGMs for V f <
where
0.5 is given below.
x  x1
ξ for ic  1
E E V  x 2  x1
,
X c  2 Vf  m 1f f 
 3 1   f   ξ
y  y1
, for ic  2
y 2  y1
E E V  (6)
X c  2 Vf  m 1f f  r  r1
ξ , for ic  3
 3 vm  r2  r1
V1  fibre ratio at x1 , y1 or r1
If Vf  05
V 2  fibre ratio at x 2 , y 2 or r2
p  power index

5
Manual Fibre Distribution Hence

This fibre distribution technique enables the code user to 1 1

(V2  V1 )( pmax   pmin )
V1 ( max   min ) 
p 1
manually specify the fibre ratio for each element along the V f () 
 max   min
direction of fibre ratio variation.
(13)

Average Fibre Distribution

Derivation of fibre ratio at both ends of plate (V1 & V2)
This fibre distribution technique enables the code user
and mean fibre ratio
to either specify fibre ratios V1 and V2 or the mean fibre
Rearranging the equation below,
ratio V and fibre ratio V1. These fibre ratios are then 1 1
(V2  V1)(ξ pmax  ξ pmin )
V1(ξ max  ξ min ) 
used in computing the fibre ratios at the midpoint of each p 1
V f (ξ) 
ξ max  ξ min
element using equations which will be derived later in this
(14)
section.
the following equations can be obtained.

p 1 p 1
Smooth Fibre Distribution (ξ max  ξ min )
V f (ξ )  V1  (V2  V1 )
(ξ max  ξ min )(p  1 )
This fibre distribution technique enables the code user
V f ( )  V1  (V2  V1 )Q
to either specify fibre ratios V1 and V2 or the mean fibre
p 1 p 1
(ξ max  ξ min )
where Q 
ratio V and fibre ratio V1. These fibre ratios are then (ξ max  ξ min )(p  1 )
used in computing the fibre ratios at each Gaussian V f (ξ )  V2 Q  V1( 1  Q)
quadrature point using equations which will be derived V f  V1( 1  Q)
V2 
later in this section. Q

(15)

Derivation of mean fibre ratio V for specified fibre ratios The plots of the fibre ratio distribution for all ten

optimisation cases considered in this paper were obtained

V1 and V2
using Eq. (11). It should be noted that each of the ten
Using the fibre distribution equation, the mean fibre
optimisation cases has a mean fibre ratio value of 0.4.
ratio can be written as shown below.
The case with power index of zero (i.e. P = 0) represents
 max
 V()d the traditional composite plate. This case has been
 min
V f ()  (12)
 max   min included in all plots to show the differences between the

6
fibre distribution in the FGC plate and the traditional

composite plate. The case P = 1 and case P = 2 can be

described as the linear fibre distribution case and the

quadratic fibre distribution case respectively. The

parameter V1 is use to offset the fibre ratio at edge x = 0

of the FGC plate.

The smooth fibre distribution plots for the ten

optimisation cases are as shown in Figures 2 to 4. These

figures show the plot of fibre ratio at the Gaussian

Figure 3: Smooth fibre ratio distribution plot for cases
quadrature points along the x-direction of the FGC plate. with P=0 and P=1

Figure 2: Smooth fibre ratio distribution plot for cases Figure 4: Smooth fibre ratio distribution plot for cases
with P=0 and P=0.5 with P=0 and P=2

The average fibre distribution plots for the ten

optimisation cases are as shown in Figures 5 to 7. These

figures show the plot of fibre ratios at the Gaussian

quadrature points along the x-direction of the FGC plate.

7
 Figure 7: Average fibre ratio distribution plot for
cases with P=0 and P=2
Figure 5: Average fibre ratio distribution plot for
cases with P=0 and P=0.5
3. Finite Element Equations for Mindlin-type

Element

This section explains the stiffness matrix and mass

matrix formulation for the Mindlin-type plate bending

element theory.

3.1 Finite Element Theory

The authors [1] have previously written a paper on

structural integrity of functionally graded composite

structure using Mindlin-type finite elements. Further

Figure 6: Average fibre ratio distribution plot for
cases with P=0 and P=1 details of the Mindlin-type element theory can be found in

the paper [1]. The theory includes the formulation of the

displacement equation, strain equation, stress equation,

strain energy variation and generalised equation of

equilibrium. The generalised equation of equilibrium is

then linearised, in-order to obtain the Mindin-type

element equation.

8
3.2 Element Mass Matrix Derivation q  ( x , y , t )  N  ( x , y ) δ b (t ) (23)

It is assumed that different layers are made of the same q w ( x , y , t )  N w ( x , y ) δ b (t ) (24)

composite material but with different fibre orientations,

... Ni ( , ) 0 ...
No (x, y)  No ( ,)   (25)
i.e. the density of every layer is the same i.e. ... 0 Ni ( , ) ...

 (L)   (16)
 Ni (,) ...
... 0 0
N (x, y) N (,)  (26)
Using D’Alembert’s principle, the inertial force vector ... 0 Ni ( ,) 0 ...

acting at an infinitesimal volume due to an acceleration N w ( x, y)  N w ( ,  )  ... N i ( ,  ) 0 0 ... (27)

vector is:
Equation (18) can be rewritten as:
 
d F    a dxdydz (17)
 

  h d δ t
o N t
o N o δo 
Hence, the work done by the inertia force due to an
 

dW a      h dδ tb N tw N w δ b dxdy (28)
infinitesimal virtual displacement field is: x y   
  h dδ tb N t N  δ b 
3

   12 
dW a     d q .a dxdydz
volume

(18) Defining the following mass matrices:
    d q
t
q dxdydz
M oo    h N (ξ, η) N o (ξ, η) dxdy
t
volume o
(29)
x y
Using the expression below
M ww    h N (ξ, η) N w (ξ, η) dxdy
t
(30)
q  q  z q  
w
x y
q (x, y, z, t)   uv    o  (19)
qw   qw 
 h3 t
It can be shown that
M    12 N (ξ, η) N (ξ, η) dxdy
x y
(31)

  
 
  
dq t q  dq to  zdqt   q o  z q   dq tw q w (20) Equation (28) can be rewritten as:
 
  

dW a   dδ to M oo δ o  dδ tb M ww  M   δ b 
Expanding the equation above and integrating with  

respect to z gives:   dδ t M δ
h/2 
 t  
 (32)
    w 
t t
d q q dz h d q o q d q w q
 
o
h / 2 (21) Hence it can be shown that the element mass matrix is as
h3 
 d q t q  given below:
12
Defining the following displacement components: M 0 
M   oo  (33)
 0 M ww  M  
q o ( x , y , t )  N o ( x , y ) δ o (t ) (22)

9
  N ( x , y)  
n
 y ( x , y)  i y i (37)
4. Finite Element Equations for Reissner-type i 1

where x and y represents the average transverse shear

Element
deformation in the x-z and y-z plane respectively.
This section explains the Reissner-type plate bending
(iii) Out-of-plane component
element theory and summarises the equations used in the
There are two types of interpolation for the lateral
finite element programming. This theory defines the
deflection w:
displacement equation, strain equation, stress equation,

strain energy variation and generalised equation of (a) Non-conforming elements

 
equilibrium. The generalised equation of equilibrium is n
w(x, y)   Fi (x, y)wi Gi (x, y)wi,x  Hi (x, y)wi, y (38)
then linearised in-order to obtain the Reissner-type i1

element equation. Finally, the stiffness matrix and mass (b) Conforming elements

matrix were derived for the Reissner-type plate bending n  Fi (x , y) wi  Gi (x , y) wi,x 

w(x , y)   H (x, y) w  (39)
element. i1  i i, y  Pi (x , y) wi, x y 


where Fi , Gi , H i , Pi represent Hermitian shape

4.1. Finite Element Theory
functions. The explicit expressions for the Lagrangian
Displacement Equations and Hermitian shape functions can be found in [13-14]
The displacement components at the midplane of an n- Transverse shear strain components
node element can be subdivided into the following These strain components are assumed infinitesimal and
categories: are represented by the equation shown below.
(i) In-plane components
  
γˆ ( x , y )   y   B ( x , y ) δ (40)
 x 
n
u ( x , y) 
o
 N ( x , y) u
i 1
i
o
i (34)
where
n
v o( x , y )   N ( x , y) v
i
o
i (35)  
B (x,y)  
0 Ni (x,y)  
 
i 1 (41)
  Ni (x,y) 0
where Ni represents Lagrangian shape functions.

(ii) Transverse shear components 

δ  x1 y1 x2 y2  xn yn  (42)

n x-y strain components

 x ( x , y)   N ( x , y)  
i 1
i x i (36)

10
 These strain components can be obtained from Green’s Using the principle of virtual work, the generalised

strain-displacement equations i.e. Equations (43 – 45). equation of equilibrium can be derived.

They can be divided into two parts which include the dU  dW  0 (48)

infinitesimal component derived from the Cauchy’s An approximate solution of this equation of equilibrium
strain-displacement equation, and the additional non- gives the expression for the residual vector.
linear terms in Green’s equation. Linearisation of Equations of Equilibrium and Derivation

 u 1  u   w  
2 2 2
 v  of Element Equations
x          (43)
 x 2    x   x    x   In order to restore equilibrium, the residual vector

v 1  u   v   w  
2 2 2 must approach a value of zero. This equilibrium is
y           
y 2  y   y   y  
(44)
achieved by employing the expressions below.
 
δ new  δ old  δ
u v  u u v v w w 
 xy      σ (new
L)
 σ old  σ
y x  x y x y x y 
(45) (49)
A new  A old  A
The total strain vector can be obtained in terms of the
The combination of the above expressions and the
nodal parameters and shape function by substituting the
residual vector expressions results in a final matrix
above displacement and slope components into the
equation, which is given below.
Green’s strain-displacement equations. The total strain
 δo   R o 
 K  K   δ   
Ne
vector equation above can then be manipulated to obtain R  (50)
e 1   b   b
the variation of strain vector in terms of the nodal

parameters and shape functions.

Strain Energy Variation

4.2. Element Mass Matrix Derivation

The variation of strain energy density at a point inside This derivation follows the same procedure as in

the Lth layer is given below. section 3.2. Hence Eqs.16-18 also applies to this section.

Using the displacement expression below

d U ( L )  d γ t τ ( L )  dε t σ ( L ) (46)

q   q  z q   f  q  
Generalised Equation of Equilibrium q ( x , y , z , t )   uv    o  (51)
q w   qw 
The work done by actual loads can be expressed in
It can be shown that
terms of equivalent nodal loads as given below.

dW  dδto Fo  dδtb Fb (47)

11
  

d q t q  d q to  zd q t  f  d q t   

 h dδt t
o N o No δ o   h dδbNwNw δb
t t

(52)
   
    h3 t t  
  q o  z q   f  q    d q tw q w  dδbN N δb 
   12 
dWa     17 h3  dxdy
x y  dδt N N δt 
t t
Expanding the equation above and integrating with
 140 
respect to z gives:   h3  t t   

  dδbN N δt  dδt N N δb 
t t

h/2  10  

 t  

    w
(62)
t t
dq q dz h dq q d q q

o w

o
h / 2

Defining the following mass matrices:
h3 17h 3 t 
 dqt q  dq q (53)
12 140    h N (ξ, η) N o (ξ, η) dxdy
t
M oo o
(63)
h3   
 x y
  dqt q  dqt q 
10  
   h N (ξ, η) N w (ξ, η) dxdy
t
M ww w
(64)
Defining the following displacement components: x y

q o ( x , y , t )  N o ( x , y ) δ o (t ) (54)  h3 t
M   
x  y 12
N  (ξ, η) N  (ξ, η) dxdy (65)

q  ( x , y , t )  N  ( x , y ) δ b (t ) (55)

17  h 3 t
q ( x , y , t )  N  ( x , y ) δ t (t ) (56) M    140 N  (ξ, η) N  (ξ, η) dxdy
x y
(66)

q w ( x , y , t )  N w ( x , y ) δ b (t ) (57)
 h3 t
M    N  (ξ, η) N  (ξ, η) dxdy (67)
... Ni (,) 0 ... x  y 10
No (x, y)  No (,)  
Ni (,) ...
(58)
... 0
 h3 t
M    N  (ξ, η) N  (ξ, η) dxdy  M 
t
(68)
... 0 Ni (,) ... x y
10
N (x, y)  N (,)  
...
(59)
... - Ni (,) 0
Equation (62) can be rewritten as:

Nw ( x, y)  Nw ( ,)  ... Fi Hi  Gi Pi ... (60)  t   

 dδ o M oo δ o  d δ b M ww  M  δ b 
t

 v    
 x  ... Fi, x Hi, x  Gi, x Pi, x ... dW a     dδ tt M  δ t 
N (x, y)  w
(69)
   (61)  
   d δ tb M  δ t  d δ tt M  δ b 
 
  ... Fi, y Hi, y  Gi, y Pi, y ... 
 y     

Equation (18) can be rewritten as:   dδ t M δ

Hence it can be shown that the element mass matrix is as

given below:

12
  M oo 0 0  5.2 Numerical Example of Buckling Case
 
M   0 M ww M  M  
(70)
 0 
Study
 M  M  
Composite Material Data

The composite material data used for all the cases

5. Buckling Analysis: Procedure and
studies are tabulated below.
Numerical Example
Table 1: Composite material data
5.1. Buckling Analysis Solution Parameters Values

Buckling occurs at infinitesimal strains. Ef, Fibre young modulus 330GPa

σL  0 Em, Matrix young modulus 5GPa

FL  0
(71) f, Fibre Poisson ratio 0.3625
σ m  D oo ε o  D ob ε b
σ θ  D bb ε o  D (3) ε b m, Matrix Poisson ratio 0.3
σ mθ  D ob ε o  D bb ε b
f, Fibre density 1.0Kg/m3
A small deflection analysis can be carried out with a small
m, Matrix density 1.0Kg/m3
load representing the distribution of actual load, and has
Stacking sequence ((-45,0,45)2)S
equivalent nodal loading vector Fo which is defined
Ply thickness 2.5mm
below.
XMT, Matrix tensile strength 0.05 MPa
F o  Kδ o
(72)
XMC, Matrix compressive strength 0.08 MPa
Just before the onset of instability, the strains can be
XMS, Matrix shear strength 0.04 MPa
considered infinitesimal, and if instability occurs at:
XFT, Fibre tensile strength 7.5 MPa
F   Fo (73) XFS, Fibre shear strength 4 MPa

Hence SEGRM, Maximum radial residual 0.0

K  λK  δ  0

o
(74)
stress
K  λK   o   0
SKC, Longitudinal stress 1

This gives a characteristic equation and its smallest real concentration factor

roots define the critical buckling load. SKS, Shear stress concentration 1

F critical   min F o (75) factor

V1, Fibre ratio at the clamped end 0.5, 0.55 or 0.6

13
V , Average fibre ratio 0.4 seen that the first and second buckling mode results of the

P, Power term in the fibre 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 Reissner and Mindlin programs are in good agreement.

distribution equation But the third buckling mode results of the Reissner and

Mindlin programs are not in good agreement. This

A rectangular plate made of a typical FGM with its discrepancy can be attributed to the difference transverse

mid-plane as shown in Figure 8 was considered. The modelling technique employed by both elements. Also

width-to-thickness ratio of the plate is 33. A 72 element the discrepancy could be reduced by using a finer mesh of

mesh was employed for all the case studies. The elements the Mindlin-type element which results in the

used in this exercise include Mindlin-type element and convergence of the Mindlin-type element solution to

Reissner-type element. The boundary condition applied Reissner-type element solution. This is due to the fact

in the case studies is that edge x=0 is a clamped edge. A that the Reissner-type element (based on parabolic

load of 0.1kN was applied as an equivalent nodal loading transverse shear modelling through the plate thickness)

at edge x=2 for the buckling case study. gives a more accurate result in comparison with the

Mindlin-type element (based on average transverse shear

modelling through the plate thickness). In the high

buckling mode cases (such as the 3rd buckling mode) or

the non-linear fibre distribution cases (i.e. P=0.5 and

P=2), FE solution is mesh-sensitive due to the

nonlinearity of the stiffness property distribution in the

plate longitudinal direction. Hence convergence study

must be carried out for non-linear fibre distribution cases

and high buckling mode cases when using any of the

Figure 8: Mesh
elements. Finally, in this buckling analysis, an average

Table 2, shows the comparison of the buckling desirable effect of 20% increment in critical buckling load

eigenvalue results for all ten fibre ratio distribution cases. (relative to the traditional composite case) for the first and

Maximisation of the buckling eigenvalue for most second buckling mode is achieved by using functionally

buckling modes is usually the desired effect required for graded composite.

design purposes. On looking at the table below, it can be

14
Table 2: Buckling Eigenvalue 6. Dynamic Analysis: Procedure and
Buckling Eigenvalue, min = Fcritical / Fo
Numerical Example
st nd rd
P V1 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 Mode
6.1. Dynamic Analysis Solution
(Mindlin) (Mindlin) (Mindlin)
Consider an ideal structure with no damping forces,
0 Vav=0.4 8.130 75.021 145.28
the dynamic finite element matrix equation can be
0.5 0.5 8.504 75.482 150.91
reduced to the expression below.
0.5 0.55 8.665 75.452 184.14

0.5 0.6 8.808 75.256 181.92 M δ t   K δ t   F t  (79)

1 0.5 8.752 75.045 183.72 In a natural mode, each point of a structure executes

1 0.55 9.006 74.364 169.74 harmonic motion about the position of static equilibrium

1 0.6 9.221 73.170 153.49 at the same frequency. Hence it can be assumed that, at a

2 0.5 9.072 73.919 161.63 natural mode of vibration:

δ t   δ cos (ω t )
~
2 0.55 9.439 71.192 130.65 (80)

2 0.6 9.690 65.436 93.401 ~

where δ represents the vector of nodal amplitudes.
P V1 1st Mode 2nd Mode 3rd Mode
The matrix equation represents a system of homogenous
(Reissner) (Reissner) (Reissner)
simultaneous equations which can have a non-trivial
0 Vav=0.4 8.135 73.154 204.33
solution, if the value of  satisfies the condition below:
0.5 0.5 8.513 73.643 196.38
K λM 0 (81)
0.5 0.55 8.675 73.622 189.50

0.5 0.6 8.820 73.433 181.90 where λ  ω 2

1 0.5 8.766 73.231 184.33 On comparing natural frequency problem and buckling

1 0.55 9.024 72.586 169.26 problem, it can be shown that both problems are

equivalent and they are related to each other through the

1 0.6 9.244 71.441 152.93
expression below.
2 0.5 9.094 72.246 161.14

2 0.55 9.477 69.808 129.62

M'   K   σ o  (82)

2 0.6 9.767 65.177 94.007 The matrix equation of the dynamic eigenvalue problem

was solved in this report. This report employed two

15
techniques which include the simple iteration and 0.5 0.55 318.12 1276.0 1893.4

subspace iteration techniques [15 - 17]. 0.5 0.6 323.60 1281.7 1900.4

1 0.5 319.13 1282.0 1894.7

6.2. Numerical Example of Vibration Case 1 0.55 327.94 1292.7 1905.2

Study 1 0.6 336.31 1300.4 1912.0

The FE model used in this section is as described in 2 0.5 325.83 1300.4 1913.3

Section 5.2. Table 3, shows the comparison of the natural 2 0.55 337.79 1314.4 1927.2

vibration frequency results for all ten fibre ratio 2 0.6 349.19 1317.0 1930.6

distribution cases. Maximisation of the natural frequency P V1 1st Mode 2nd Mode 3rd Mode

for most free vibration modes is usually the desired effect (Reissner) (Reissner) (Reissner)

required for design purposes. On looking at the table 0 Vav=0.4 300.24 1257.3 1832.3

below, it can be seen that the results of the Reissner and 0.5 0.5 312.86 1275.2 1855.8

Mindlin programs are in good agreement for all vibration 0.5 0.55 318.67 1282.2 1864.9
modes. Also the natural frequency increases as the 0.5 0.6 No No No
exponent P values increases. This is expected because the solution solution solution
stiffness at the root region of the composite plate
1 0.5 319.64 1287.9 1865.7
increases with increase in exponent P value. Finally, in
1 0.55 328.53 1298.7 1876.9
this vibration analysis, an average desirable effect of 15%
1 0.6 336.96 1306.4 1884.6
increment in natural frequency (relative to the traditional
2 0.5 326.34 1305.9 1884.8
composite case) for all the vibration mode is achieved by
2 0.55 338.40 1319.6 1900.2
using this functionally graded composite.
2 0.6 No No No
Table 3: Natural vibration frequencies solution solution solution
Natural Vibration Frequencies (Hz)

P V1 1st Mode 2nd Mode 3rd Mode

7. CONCLUSION
(Mindlin) (Mindlin) (Mindlin)
In this paper, the optimum design criterion employed,
0 Vav=0.4 299.90 1252.1 1862.8
is one that satisfies the follow design criteria.
0.5 0.5 312.37 1269.2 1884.8

16
 Maximum critical buckling load (i.e. maximum performing a buckling and vibration analysis of a

buckling eigenvalue) functionally graded composite structure. Some of the

 Maximum vibration frequency. unique contributions achieved in this paper include

Hence, using the definition of design criterion above, Mindlin-type element formulation, Reissner-type element

the results in the previous sections have been summarised formulation, finite strain modelling and smooth fibre

below and the optimum design was determined from the distribution technique. A methodical approach was used

table. in demonstrating the design optimisation process. This

involves undertaken vibration and buckling analysis for

Table 4: Optimum Design
Elements P V1 1st Mode different fibre distribution cases and the effects of fibre

Results distribution were studied. Fibre distribution cases with

maximum vibration frequency and maximum buckling

Buckling Mindlin 2 0.6 fgm/comp
loads were chosen as the optimum design. Also this paper
= 1.19
achieved its objective by presenting a detailed explanation
Buckling Reissner 2 0.6 fgm/comp
of the functional graded technology from theoretical
= 1.2
concept through to optimum design application. Future
Free Mindlin 2 0.6 fgm/comp
work recommendation would be to extend this work to
vibration = 1.17
cover non-linear dynamics and thermo-elasticity.
Free Reissner 2 0.55 fgm/comp

vibration = 1.13
REFERENCES

[1] Oyekoya O.O., Mba D.U. and El-Zafrany A.M.,

Table 4 shows the optimum fibre distribution for each
2008; Structural integrity of functionally graded
load case. Analysis of the results shows that fibre
composite structure using Mindlin-type finite
distribution with P=2 and V1=0.6 is the optimum design.
elements. ICCES, vol.172, no.1, pp. 1-6.
This fibre distribution has resulted in 20% increase in
[2] Chen X. L. and Liew K. M., 2004; Buckling of
critical buckling load and 15% increase in the natural
rectangular functionally graded material plates
frequency of the composite structure.
subjected to nonlinearly distributed in-plane edge
In this paper, a Reissner-type element and a Mindlin-
loads. Smart Materials and Structures.
type element have been formulated and used in

17
 [3] Reddy J. N., 2000; Analysis of functionally graded means of the interaction integral method.

plates. International Journal of Numerical Methods in Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 71, 1907-1950.

Engineering; 47: 663-684 [11] Yang Y.Y., 1998; Stress analysis in a joint with a

[4] Javaheri R. and Eslami M.R. 2002; Buckling of functionally graded material under a thermal loading

functionally graded plates under in-plane by using the Mellin transform method. Int. J. Solids

compressive loading. Z. Angew. Math. Mech. 82, 4, Structures, Vol. 35, No. 12 pp 1261-1287.

277 – 283 [12] Agarwal B.D. and Broutman L.J., 1990; Analysis and

[5] Shi J. and Askew C., 1997; Thermal stress in performance of fiber composites. 2nd edition.

cylinders made of composite materials. Key [13] El-Zafrany A. and Cookson R. A., 1986; Derivation

Engineering Materials, Vols 127-131, pp. 1109-1116 of Lagrangian and Hermitian shape functions for

[6] Silvia E.C.N. and Paulino G.H., 2004; Topology triangular elements. International Journal of

optimisation applied to the design of functionally Numerical Engineering, Vol. 23, pp. 275-285.

graded material (FGM) structures; XXI ICTAM, [14] El-Zafrany A. and Cookson R. A., 1986; Derivation

Warsaw, Poland. of Lagrangian and Hermitian shape functions for

[7] Durodola J.F. and Adlington J.E., 1997; Functionally quadrilateral elements. International Journal of

graded material properties for disks and rotors; Key Numerical Methods in Engineering, Vol. 23, pp.

Engineering Materials Vols. 127-131, pp. 1199-1206. 1939-1958.

[8] Nogata F., 1995; Intelligent functionally graded [15] Clint M. and Jennings A., 1970; The evaluation of

material: Bamboo. Composites Engineering Vol. 5, eigenvalues by simultaneous iterations. Computer

No 7, pp. 743-751. Journal, Vol. 13, pp. 76-80.

[9] Pompe W., Worch H., Epple M., Friess W., Gelinsky [16] Corr R. B. and Jennings A., 1976; A simultaneous

M., Greil P., Hempel U., Scharnweber D. and Schulte iteration algorithm for symmetric eigenvalue

K., 2003; Functionally graded materials for problem. International Journal of Numerical Methods

biomedical applications. Materials Science and in Engineering, Vol. 10, pp. 647-663.

Engineering, A362, 40-60. [17] Bathe K. J. and Wilson E. L., 1976; Numerical

[10] Paulino G.H. and Kim J., 2004; A new approach to methods in finite element analysis. Prentice Hall

compute T-stress in functionally graded materials by Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

18

View publication stats