Application of a new cylindrical element formulation in finite element structural analysis of FGM hollow cylinders

A finite element formulation is derived for the structural analysis of functionally graded hollow cylinders. The power-law distribution model is used for the composition of the constituent material in the thickness direction. According to property variation in FG cylinders, it is difficult to analyze them using the conventional element formulation. In order to facilitate the process of modeling and analyzing the FG cylinders, the finite element formulation is based on a newly designed cylindrical element. The new cylindrical element allows for property variations along the thickness, which results in considerable reduction of the required elements and eliminates the need to mesh the cross section of the FG cylinder.In this study static as well as modal analysis of FG cylinders are performed and the deformations and natural frequencies are compared with those obtained from conventional elements and previous studies. The results indicate high accuracy and good agreement with previous studies and conventional FEM.

► A cylindrical superelement is formulated for the structural analysis of FGM hollow cylinders.
► This element allows for radially graded property resulting in reduction of the required elements.
► The power-law distribution model is used for the composition of the material in the thickness.
► Both static and dynamic analysis of FGM cylinders could be performed.