Nonlinear two-dimensional transient thermoelastic analysis of functionally graded composite plates subjected to localised cooling loads

Abstract

In this study, for the first time, localized thermal cooling is considered for the transient thermoelastic response of an axisymmetric plate, addressing the underexplored area of localized low-temperature thermoelasticity. Functionally graded composite plates are analyzed which consist of a mixture of stainless steel (SUS304) and low-carbon steel (AISI1020). A two-dimensional transient heat conduction equation is employed to capture localized cooling effects, featuring various adaptive time-dependent thermal boundary conditions which mirror both loading and unloading scenarios, effectively simulating real-world phenomena. Novel parameters are introduced to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of thermal load handling and their impact on thermoelastic responses. The heat conduction equations are solved using the Generalized Differential Quadrature Method (GDQM) and the Crank-Nicolson scheme. The nonlinear governing equations, incorporating geometrical nonlinearity through the von Kármán assumption within the First Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT) framework, are solved using the GDQM and the Picard's technique. The model is validated using Finite Element Method (FEM) through Abaqus. A comprehensive analysis is provided that considers influence of the ratio of thermally affected and unaffected plate surface, thermal load magnitude, rapidity of thermal loading and unloading, duration of the cooling load, geometrical nonlinearity, and temperature dependence of material. The study shows that the maximum von Mises stress within the structure remains consistent regardless of the duration of the cooling load, as long as the rate at which the cooling load is applied stays the same. Additionally, the findings reveal that even minor localized thermal loads can produce substantial stress, especially at the intersection of thermally affected and non-affected zones on the exposed surface in some situations.