Abstract: A model for designing functionally gradient ceramic tool materials with symmetrical composition distribution is presented. Based on the analysis of stress distribution for ceramic tools in cutting process, the design of compositional distribution is carried out with the aim of partial relaxation of external stress by residual thermal stress in fabricating process by means of FEM analysis of residual thermal stress for gradient tool materials with different compositional distributions. The principle for optimization design is proposed.

Key words: Ceramic tool, Compositional distribution, Functional gradient materials, Materials design