Finite element modeling to explore static bending responses of four-layer FG beam structures considering sliding motions

This paper presents a detailed finite element formulation to examine the static bending behavior of a four-layer beam construction. The two outermost layers consist of functionally graded materials (FGM), whilst the two interior levels are constructed of homogeneous materials. A sliding interaction transpires among all four layers when an external force is applied. Shear connections are included in the model to avert possible movement between these layers. The Timoshenko beam theory and two-node beam element are used to formulate mathematical and mechanical equations. The computational program is executed via MATLAB software. Then, verification instances are supplied to validate the precision of the deployed computational program. Parametric evaluation is performed to evaluate the influence of geometric and material properties on the static bending behavior of the beam. The results of the paper illustrate the attractive nature of the proposed model. Moreover, several interrelated concerns, including buckling analysis, dynamic analysis, and structural optimization, may be inferred from this paper. © IMechE 2024.