Abstract: The dynamics of a hub-functionally graded material beam system rotating in a plane is investigated. It is assumed that the physical properties of the functionally graded material follow certain kinds of power law gradient distribution and vary in the thickness direction. The second order coupling deformation variable, also known as the longitudinal shortening caused by transversal deformation, is considered. By using the method of assumed modes to describe the deformation of the beam, the rigid-flexible coupling dynamic equations of the system are derived via employing Lagrange’s equations of the second kind. Then, by considering two different gradient distribution rules, the impact of material distribution and gradient indices on the dynamic characteristics of the hub-functionally graded material beam system undergoing large overall motions are discussed by using numerical simulations. The results show that different functionally gradient distribution rules and material gradient indices will have a great impact on the dynamics of the system.

Key words: Dynamic simulation Natural frequencies, Functionally graded material beam, Gradient distribution rules, Rigid-flexible coupling