ZHAO Jun, AI Xing, ZHANG Jianhua

(Shandong University of Technology)

Abstract： The concept of the equivalent flexural rigidity of Functionally Gradient Materials (FM) beams was presented for the first in this paper, and its formula was derived. The stress distribution along the gradient direction under external loading for FGM flexure beams could be calculated by using the concept of the equivalent flexural rigidity, as a result, the load - bearing capacity for FGMs could be easily evaluated. The introduction of the equivalent flexural rigidity provides a new approach for the compositional distribution and structure design of FGMs beyond thermal stress relaxing type such as high load - bearing capacity FGMs.

Keywords： functionally gradient materials, equivalent flexural rigidity, materials design, compositional distribution, load bearing capacity