Exact solutions for stresses in functionally graded pressure vessels

Closed-form solutions for stresses and displacements in functionally graded cylindrical and spherical vessels subjected to internal pressure alone are obtained using the infinitesimal theory of elasticity. The material stiffness obeying a simple power law is assumed to vary through the wall thickness and Poisson's ratio is assumed constant. Stress distributions depending on an inhomogeneity constant are compared with those of the homogeneous case and presented in the form of graphs. The inhomogeneity constant, which includes continuously varying volume fraction of the constituents, is empirically determined. The values used in this study are arbitrarily chosen to demonstrate the effect of inhomogeneity on stress distribution. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.