Static analysis of functionally graded non-prismatic sandwich beams

In this article, the static behavior of non-prismatic sandwich beams composed of functionally graded (FG) materials is investigated for the first time. Two types of beams in which the variation of elastic modulus follows a power-law form are studied. The principle of minimum total potential energy is applied along with the Ritz method to derive and solve the governing equations. Considering conventional boundary conditions, Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind are used as auxiliary shape functions. The formulation is developed within the framework of well-known Timoshenko and Reddy beam theories (TBT, RBT). Since the beams are simultaneously tapered and functionally graded, bending and shear stress pushover curves are presented to get a profound insight into the variation of stresses along the beam. The proposed formulations and solution scheme are verified through benchmark problems. In this context, excellent agreement is observed. Numerical results are included considering beams with various cross sectional types to inspect the effects of taper ratio and gradient index on deflections and stresses. It is observed that the boundary conditions, taper ratio, gradient index value and core to the thickness ratio significantly influence the stress and deflection responses.