Deformation analysis of functionally graded beams by the direct approach

In this paper we employ the direct approach to the theory of rods and beams, which is based on the deformable curve model with a triad of rotating directors attached to each point. We show that this model (also called directed curve) is an efficient approach for analyzing the deformation of elastic beams with a complex material structure. Thus, we consider non-homogeneous, composite and functionally graded beams made of isotropic or orthotropic materials and we determine the effective stiffness properties in terms of the three-dimensional elasticity constants. We present general analytical expressions of the effective stiffness coefficients, valid for beams of arbitrary cross-section shape. Finally, we apply this method for FGM beams made of metal foams and compare our analytical results with the numerical results obtained by a finite element analysis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.