Progress in the study of mechanics problems of functionally graded materials and structures

This paper reviews some recent results of the key project entitled “Mechanics research of some problems of functionally graded materials and structures” supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The progress is highlighted in the following aspects: the analytical and the semi-analytical solutions of functionally graded beams, plates and shells as well as their simplified theories, fracture analysis of functionally graded materials, a micro-element method for the macro-micro scale analysis and the optimal design of functionally graded structures. Perspective is also made for future directions of mechanics analysis of functionally graded materials and structures