Finite element analysis of aircraft wing spars made of functionally graded materials

Within the scope of this thesis study, spar elements located in aircraft wing structures were designed using heterogeneous materials with continuously and systematically varying mechanical properties instead of conventional homogeneous materials. In this context, the structural behavior of the aforementioned spar structures was analyzed using the finite element analysis with ABAQUS software. Furthermore, by employing functionally graded materials (FGMs), a comparative assessment was conducted between traditional material designs and the mechanical properties of aircraft wing beams. The FGM consisted of a combination of AA7075 and SiC. AA7075 was selected due to its favorable characteristics such as lightweight and high strength, which are critical in the aerospace industry. SiC, as a ceramic material, was incorporated as a reinforcing phase to enhance the structural strength of the alloy by increasing its hardness and overall performance. The ceramic reinforcement content in the functionally graded material was utilized at two different levels: 10% and 15%. Accordingly, two distinct beam designs containing these specified ceramic ratios were analyzed using the finite element analysis. The effects of the ceramic content on the beam were evaluated through modal, static, and buckling analyses. The results indicate that the functionally graded material with 15% SiC reinforcement demonstrated superior performance in modal, static load, and buckling analyses.