A thermoelasticity solution of sandwich structures with functionally graded coating

An exact thermoelasticity solution for a two-dimensional thick composite consisting of homogeneous and functionally graded layers is presented. The thermomechanical properties of functionally graded layers are assumed to vary exponentially through the thickness while the Poisson’s ratio is taken to be constant. The heat transfer problem is solved under steady state condition accounting for the heat convection. Utilizing the stress function the governing equation reduces to a fourth order inhomogeneous partial differential equation which is solved exactly using Fourier series method. A comparative study is done between two sandwich structures with homogeneous and functionally graded coatings, respectively. The results reveal that stress concentration effects are eliminated and interfacial shear stress is reduced when a functionally graded coating is used.