In most engineering applications, structural components are subjected to service conditions where mechanical loading may vary within the part. Component optimization frequently requires shaping material properties according to requested performance. The industrial interest in functionally graded materials (FGMs) is mainly related to the possibility of controlling the gradient of physical and/or chemical properties, through microstructural manipulation. Aluminium matrix composites, for example, are advanced engineering materials developed for weight critical application, such as aerospace and...
In most engineering applications, structural components are subjected to service conditions where mechanical loading may vary within the part. Compone...