Numerical simulation of two-dimensional wave propagation in functionally graded materials

The propagation of stress waves in functionally graded materials (FGMs) is studied numerically by means of the composite wave-propagation algorithm. Two distinct models of FGMs are considered: (i) a multilayered metal-ceramic composite with averaged properties within layers; (ii) randomly embedded ceramic particles in a metal matrix with prescribed volume fraction. The numerical simulation demonstrates the applicability of that algorithm to the modelling of FGMs without any averaging procedure. The analysis based on simulation shows significant differences in the stress wave characteristics for the distinct models that can be used for optimizing the response of such structures to impact loading. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.