ABSTRACT
Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are microscopically inhomogeneous composites usually made from a mixture of metals and ceramics. By gradually varying the volume fraction of consistent material, their material properties exhibit a smooth and continuous change from one surface to another, thus eliminating interface problems and mitigating thermal stress concentration. FGMs are now developed for general use as structural components in extremely high temperature environments. The advantage of FGMs is that desired mechanical properties can be tailored and this holds enormous application potential for FGMs.
