On vibrations of functionally graded double wishbone structural systems

Abstract

In the framework of dynamic finite element methodology, this articleinvestigates the free and forced vibration behaviors of functionally graded double wishbone structural systems considering the deformability of links and joints. Due to the advantages of the functionally graded materials (FGMs), the double wishbone control arms are modeled as a plane functionally graded frame based on the Timoshenko beam theory (TBT). The power law is adopted to model the through-thickness material gradation. Based on the power gradation law, analytical expressions for the equivalent material stiffnesses and the equivalent inertia are derived. On the other hand, joint deformability is modeled using flexible translational and rotational springs. The dynamic equations of motion are derived based on the Hamiltonian principle. Based on the isoparametric Timoshenko plane frame element, a displacement-based dynamic finite element model is developed. The accuracy of the developed numerical procedure is verified for both free and forced vibration behaviors and good agreement is obtained. Numerical results are obtained and discussed. The results show the significant effects of the FGM distributions on the free and forced vibration behaviors. The developed procedure and the obtained results are supportive of the design and manufacturing processes of such structural systems.