Functionally graded materials
Functionally graded materials (FGM's) are a new generation of engineered materials wherein the microstructural details are spatially varied through non-uniform distribution of the reinforcement phase(s), see the figure.
Functionally graded materials (FGM's) are a new generation of engineered materials wherein the microstructural details are spatially varied through non-uniform distribution of the reinforcement phase(s), see the figure.
FGM's is accomplished using reinforcements with different properties, sizes, and shapes, as well as by interchanging the roles of the reinforcement and matrix phases in a continuous manner.
The result is a microstructure that produces continuously or discretely changing thermal and mechanical properties at the macroscopic or continuum scale.
This new concept ofmaterial's microstructureallows, for the first time, to fully integrate the material and structural considerations into the final design of structural components.
Functionally graded materials are ideal for applications involving severe thermal gradients, ranging from thermal structures in advanced aircraft and aerospace engines to computer circuit boards.
The technologically important applications illustrate the utility of functionally graded microstructures in tailoring the response of structural components in a variety of applications involving uniform and gradient thermomechanical loading and biomaterials applications.
Owing to the many variables that control the design of functionally graded microstructures, full exploitation of the FGM's potential requires the development of appropriate modeling strategies for their response to combined thermomechanical loads.
The result is a microstructure that produces continuously or discretely changing thermal and mechanical properties at the macroscopic or continuum scale.
This new concept ofmaterial's microstructureallows, for the first time, to fully integrate the material and structural considerations into the final design of structural components.
Functionally graded materials are ideal for applications involving severe thermal gradients, ranging from thermal structures in advanced aircraft and aerospace engines to computer circuit boards.
The technologically important applications illustrate the utility of functionally graded microstructures in tailoring the response of structural components in a variety of applications involving uniform and gradient thermomechanical loading and biomaterials applications.
Owing to the many variables that control the design of functionally graded microstructures, full exploitation of the FGM's potential requires the development of appropriate modeling strategies for their response to combined thermomechanical loads.
Examples of different types of functionally graded microstructures
Potential applications of FGM's are both diverse and numerous, e.g., FGM sensors and actuators, FGM metal-ceramic armor, FGM thin-walled rotating blades, FGM photo-detectors and FGM dental implant.
The cross-section of hydroxyl-apatite-glass-titanium functionally graded composite.
Medical application (FGM synthetic Bone)
Medical application (FGM synthetic Bone)
