On the response sensitivity of an optimally designed functionally graded layer

Abstract

Sensitivity of the response of an optimally designed functionally graded (FG) thermomechanical system is investigated. The system is a transversely isotropic layer subjected to a thermal gradient. The layer is modeled as a biconstituent composite with a microstructure characterized by the design parameters: fiber volume fraction, shape, and orientation. Performance is quantified by a linear combination of the layer's curvature and strain energy density. Of particular interest is the comparison of variability of response to variations in the design parameters versus variability in such things as constituent material properties, and fiber misalignment. These are issues of significance for the manufacturing of functionally graded materials (FGMs). It is concluded that while not all FG systems show a significant sensitivity to texture (i.e. fiber shape and orientation) there do exist some systems for which response is markedly affected by texture even in comparison to significant variabilities in constituent material properties and fiber misalignment.