A dynamic analysis of three-dimensional functionally graded beams by hierarchical models

This paper presents a dynamic analysis of three-dimensional beams. Structures made of functionally graded materials are considered. Several higher-order as well as classical theories are derived by means of a compact notation for the a-priori expansion order of the displacement field over the beam cross-section. The governing differential equations and boundary conditions are obtained in a condensed nuclear form that does not depend on the kinematic hypotheses. The problem is, then, exactly solved in space by means of a Navier-type solution, whereas time integration is performed by means of Newmark's solution scheme. Slender and short simply supported beams are investigated. Results are validated towards three-dimensional FEM results obtained via the commercial software ANSYS. Numerical investigations show that good accuracy can be obtained through the proposed formulation provided that the appropriate expansion order is considered.