Analytical solution for a functionally graded beam with arbitrary graded material properties

The plane stress problem of an orthotropic functionally graded beam with arbitrary graded material properties along the thickness direction is investigated by the displacement function approach for the first time. A general two-dimensional solution is obtained for a functionally graded beam subjected to normal and shear tractions of arbitrary form on the top and bottom surfaces and under various end boundary conditions. For isotropic case explicit solutions are given to some specific through-the-thickness variations of Young’s modulus such as exponential model, linear model and reciprocal model. The influence of different grade models on the stress and displacement fields are illustrated in numerical examples. These analytical solutions can serve as a basis for establishing simplified theories and evaluating numerical solutions of functionally graded beams.