Validation of Thermal and Thermo-Elastic Responses in Fixed-Free Functionally Graded Beams Under Localized Heating

Abstract

The combination of multiple constituent materials, when spatially graded, enables the creation of composite materials with tailored physical properties, making them ideal for applications in defense, aerospace, energy, and medical sectors. This study focuses on developing functionally graded materials (FGMs) with two extreme physical properties: high-temperature resistance and high strength, specifically investigating SUS316-Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> beam composites. SUS316-Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> beams were fabricated using the plasma spraying technique. The microstructural analysis revealed distinct gradation patterns, with plasma-sprayed beams exhibiting a layered gradation. The thermo-elastic behavior of FGM, along with pure SUS316 beams, was evaluated under thermal loads ranging from 2.925 W to 23.9 W. The SUS316-Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> FGM beams displayed elastic deflection at higher thermal loads, indicating their potential for high-performance applications. A 2.23% decrease in frequency and thermal deflection of 0.6 mm was observed when the beam was heated to a temperature of 890C for about 5 min. The findings suggest that functionally graded SUS316-Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> beams offer enhanced thermo-elastic properties, making them suitable for demanding applications requiring high-temperature resistance and strength. © The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc 2025.