This chapter addresses the behavior of functionally graded solids under dynamic impact loading within the framework of linear elasticity using parallel explicit algorithm. Numerical examples are presented that verify the dynamic explicit finite element code and demonstrate the dynamic response of graded materials. A three-point bending beam made of epoxy and glass phases under low-velocity impact is studied. Bending stress history for beam with higher values of material properties at the loading edge is consistently higher than that of the homogeneous beam and the beam with lower values of material properties at the loading edge. Larger bending stresses for the former beam may indicate earlier crack initiation times, which were proven by experiments performed by other researchers. Wave propagation in a 3D bar is also investigated. Poisson’s ratio and thickness effects are observed in the dynamic behavior of the bar. Finite element modeling and simulation discussed herein can be a critical tool to help understand physics behind the dynamic events.
Part of the book: Computational Models in Engineering