ABSTRACT
A semi-analytical method is introduced to obtain the transient thermal stress field in functionally graded materials (FGMs) where the physical properties vary continuously. The thermal stress field is expressed by a series of eigenfunctions for the corresponding eigenvalue problem and the coefficients of each eigenfunction are determined by the Galerkin method. Computer algebra systems can be used to derive admissible functions that satisfy the given boundary conditions and manipulation of the algebra involved. The physical fields in FGMs can be expressed semi-analytically while retaining all the relevant parameters. In addition, any change in boundary conditions such as temperature can be readily reflected without incurring the entire recalculation.
