Analysis of thin-walled open-section beams with functionally graded materials

In this paper, an analytical modeling of thin-walled open-section beams with functionally graded materials (FGMs) is presented, regarding mono-symmetric I- and channel-sections. The mechanical properties of beam such as Young’s modulus and shear modulus are assumed to continuously vary in the thickness direction based on the power law distribution of volume fraction of metal or ceramic. The locations of center of gravity and shear center for FG beams are derived. The proposed theory considers restrained warping applicable to the thin-walled FG beam based on Vlasov’s assumptions. General governing equations are derived and directly solved, therefore, exact solutions can be achieved. In addition, the effects of gradual law and thickness ratios of ceramic or metal on behavior of various thin-walled FG beams are investigated.