RAYLEIGH-RITZ SOLUTION FOR NONLINEAR THERMO-MECHANICAL RESPONSE OF COMPOSITE DISKS SUBJECTED TO PARABOLIC THERMAL LOADS

Abstract

This study presents an advanced analysis of elastic stresses in a composite disk subjected to a parabolic temperature distribution, incorporating nonlinear behaviors, thermal plasticity, and nonlinear stress-strain relationships. The disk, reinforced with steel fibers, is modeled as a thermo-elastic composite material to capture the complex interactions between thermal and mechanical responses. The Rayleigh-Ritz method, a powerful numerical approach for solving boundary value problems, is employed to derive solutions for radial and tangential stresses. By leveraging the principle of minimum potential energy, the displacement fields are approximated using Trigonometric Ritz Functions, facilitating an accurate computation of stress components. The non-uniform thermal load induced by the parabolic temperature distribution significantly influences the stress patterns within the disk. The analysis explores the interplay between thermal gradients and the inherent material properties, revealing the sensitivity of stress components to changes in thermal parameters. Incorporating nonlinear stress-strain behaviors and thermal plasticity provides a more realistic depiction of the material's response under elevated temperature conditions. Comparative studies across varying temperature profiles highlight critical regions prone to stress concentration, offering a nuanced understanding of the disk's behavior. The findings deliver crucial insights into the thermo-mechanical performance of composite materials under complex thermal conditions. This study establishes a comprehensive analytical framework for advancing the design and optimization of composite structures subjected to varying thermal loads, underscoring the importance of considering nonlinear phenomena and thermal plasticity in engineering applications.