Effect of gradient distribution of the composition on dynamic response of functionally gradient composites plates under impulsive load

The dynamic response of functionally graded plates was simulated under impulsive load. These plates are supposed to be metal matrix composites (MMC) made from aluminum alloy reinforced by ceramic particles. The reinforcement volume fraction varies continuously along thickness following a power law. The reinforcement volume fraction reaches its maximum at both front surface and back surface with the symmetric distribution. The results show that the stress wave propagations in such gradient structures are very complex. The elastic and viscoplastic waves are coupled together and the amplitude of reflected tension wave and the unloading wave have very close relation with the gradient distribution of the composition. The distributions of equivalent plastic strain, dissipated, kinetic and elastic strain energies are all dependent on the gradient distribution of the composition. All these play a very important role in optimum design of the functionally graded structures under the impact load.