SIMPLE INCREMENTAL APPROACH FOR ANALYSING OPTIMAL NON-PRISMATIC FUNCTIONALLY GRADED BEAMS

This paper presents a simple incremental approach of analysing the static behaviour of functionally graded tapered beams. This approach involves dividing the non-uniform beam into segments with uniform cross-sections, and using two separate finite element models to analyse the structural behavior of slender beams (Euler-Bernoulli model) and deep beams (Timoshenko beam theory). The material properties of the beam vary according to a power law distribution through the thickness, resulting in smooth variations in the mechanical properties. The finite element system of equations is obtained using the principle of virtual work. Detailed information on the shape functions and stiffness matrix of the beam is provided, and the numerical results are evaluated and validated using data from the literature. The comparison demonstrates that the response of the functionally graded tapered beams is accurately assessed by the proposed approach. Additionally, the effects of material distribution, boundary conditions, and tapering parameter on the deflection behavior are presented. Results show that an increase in the power law index increases the flexibility of the functionally graded tapered beams, resulting in higher deflection. Furthermore, lower tapering parameters also result in higher deflection. Compared to other boundary conditions, clamped-clamped boundary conditions demonstrate the best performance in terms of maximum deflection.