On the modelling of functionally graded laminated structures

The object of analysis is a functionally graded material (FGM). The aim of this paper is threefold. Firstly, we outline and recall basic technological motivations and physical foundations of FGM concept. Secondly, we propose a certain special kind of FGM, which on the microstructural level are made of very thin laminae (a functionally graded laminate-FGL). Thirdly, a new approach to the formulation of averaged models for the analysis of dynamic problems in FGL is proposed. Example of applications of the proposed models will be discussed separately.