Saint-Venant End Effects in the Plane Problem for Linearly Elastic Functionally Graded Materials

Abstract

An isotropic elastic strip, with a continuous inhomogeneity profile for Young’s modulus is considered, subject to a self-equilibrated load on one of its axial ends and free of traction on the remainder of its surface boundaries. By taking advantage of the analytical flexibility of an exponential inhomogeneity profile, the full equations of linear theory of elasticity are employed to find the two-dimensional Saint-Venant decay rate in terms of an inhomogeneity parameter that measures gradation steepness in a Functionally Graded Material (FGM). The results show that softening axial inhomogeneity may be introduced to engineered FGM strips and beams to accelerate the decay of stresses. For a hardening axial inhomogeneity on the other hand, the end effects extend beyond a one-width-size distance from the loaded end. The plane problem end effects are shown to decay faster compared to the anti-plane shear counterparts, consistent with what is observed in homogeneous media. For inhomogeneity in the lateral direction from the core toward the outer edges, the qualitative behaviour changes with the degree of inhomogeneity. Whether the core is softer or harder relative to the outer edges, a steep lateral gradation of elastic modulus can significantly increase the decay length of end effects.