Functionally Graded Materials Multi-Scale Modelling, Design and Optimisation - FUNCTIONALLY

Coordinating Institution: CRP Henri Tudor
Contracting Partner(s): Politecnico de Torino (I)
From: 01/02/2010
To: 31/01/2013
Budget: 426,000.00€
Contact(s): Giunta Gaetano

Summary

Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) are advanced composite materials that are expected to substantially improve the performance of structures (in particular for aeronautical and aerospace applications) that are subjected to high thermal gradients and extreme loading conditions. Due to the complex interplay of many different design variables, the current state of the art of predictive and optimisation analysis does not yet allow a full exploitation of the FGMs' potentialities.

The aim of the project is to develop advanced and accurate micro- and macro-scale modelling for simulation, design and optimisation of FGMs and lightweight structural components with high thermo-mechanical capabilities through:

1- development of advanced models of FGM composites as well as computational approaches for the simulation of the effective thermo-mechanical properties;

2- development of accurate theories for the design of FGMs-based structures;

3- development of adequate models to accurately predict the temperature field and the effect of temperature on the material properties;

4- multi-objective optimisation of FGMs and FGMs-based structures;

5- development of a multi-scale simulation, design and optimisation software tool that efficiently utilises the information generated by the multi-scale modelling. The following scientific results are expected: extension of homogenisation and advanced multi-scale modelling of FGM composites; accurate description of heat transfer within FGMs; higher than classical order modelling of FGMs and FGMs-based structures and the development of a systemic and comprehensive software tool for the analysis, design and optimisation of FGMs and structures made of FGMs. As far as academic results are concerned, a Ph.D. thesis will be carried out during the research project. In order to provide international visibility to the research in Luxembourg and increase its critical mass, the results will be matter of scientific articles to be submitted to the most important international Journals (with high impact factor) for publishing or discussed in international conferences.

Refereed Scientific Publications

• Giunta, G. Belouettar, S. and Carrera, E. [in press] “Analysis of FGM Beams by means of Classical and Advanced Theories,” Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures.

Other Publications

• Carrera, E. and Giunta, G. [in press], “Refined Beam Theories based on a Unified Formulation,” International Journal of Applied Mechanics.

• Carrera, E., Giunta, G., Nali, P. and Petrolo, M. [on line], “Refined Beam Elements with Arbitrary Cross-Section Geometries,” Computers and Structures, doi: 10.1016/j.compstruc.2009.11.002.

• Giunta, G., Biscani, F., Carrera, E. and Belouettar, S. [submitted], “Analysis of Thin-Walled Beams via a One-Dimensional Unified Formulation,” International Journal of Applied Mechanics.