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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Optimizing Vehicle Structures Using Functionally Graded Materials of Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

  1. Annam. Surya Praneetha Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Lakshamiah Education Foundation, vaddeswaram, Guntur
  2. S N Padhi Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Lakshamiah Education Foundation, vaddeswaram, Guntur

Abstract

This article investigates the optimization of vehicle structures through application of functionally graded materials (FGMs), specifically aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Such materials, known as FGMs, are characterized by spatial variations in composition and structure designed to improve so-called performance attributes. For the purposes of this research, the material properties of aluminium and CFRP composites are taken to be randomly distributed in thickness direction of a FGM according to sigmoid, power law and exponential distributions. We seek to capitalize on the high strength to weight ratio of CFRPs and the excellent ductility and thermal conductivity of aluminium, while successfully integrating these materials with graded transitions. Mechanical behaviour, stress distribution and potential failure mode of vehicle components fabricated from these FGMs were evaluated through computational simulations. Results indicate the use of graded transitions improves load bearing capacity, impact resistance, and overall durability over homogeneous materials. The contribution of this study is valuable in the design and manufacturing of next generation vehicle structures, where the use of FGMs is demonstrated to provide superior performance, safety, and efficiency.

Keywords

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