Finite element analysis of factors to thermal stress in gradient composite with orthogonal method

In order to analysis the contributions of graded layer thickness, constituent phase volume fraction and aspect ratio to the being of thermal stress, physical models of gradient composite were established. The thermal stresses of the models induced by cooling to room temperature were simulated using finite element method, and the importance of the factors was mathematically estimated by orthogonal design method. The results show that, in the three factors, graded layer thickness has the most remarkable effect to thermal stress, and the influence of constituent phase volume fraction is obvious, but the effect of aspect ratio is not significant.