Thermal Buckling Analysis of Axially Layered Aluminium Zirconia Functionally Graded Beam

This study investigates the thermal buckling behavior of axially layered functionally graded material (FGM) thin beams with potential applications in automotive structures. The FGM beam is constructed from four axially stratified sections, with the proportional amount of metal and ceramic fluctuating through the thickness. The buckling analysis is carried out for three different support configurations: clamped-clamped, simply supported-simply supported, and clamped-simply supported. The primary objective is to identify the optimal thermal buckling temperature of the FGM thin beam using the Taguchi optimization method. Beam arrangements are established using a Taguchi L9 orthogonal array and analyzed using finite element software (ANSYS). Layers 1-4 of the axially layered beam are considered process parameters, while the thermal buckling temperature is the response parameter. Minitab software performs an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a 95% confidence level to identify the most influential layer and its relative contribution to the buckling temperature. The results, confirmed by a separate test, indicate that Layer 2 substantially affects the critical buckling temperature within the beam. Ultimately, the optimal critical buckling temperature is forecasted based on the 95% confidence interval of the confirmation analysis and population data. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing the thermal performance of FGM thin beams for automotive applications, where lightweight structures with high thermal stability are crucial. Engine Hood A non-uniformly heated engine hood can buckle and warp, affecting aesthetics and potentially causing fitment issues with fenders or compromising safety features like hood latches. The findings can guide the design and development of vehicle heat-resistant components, potentially leading to improved fuel efficiency and safety.