Metal−ceramic based functionally graded materials (FGMs) are mainly used for thermal and structural applications in industry. A metal matrix‐based axially FGM beam is fabricated using a powder metallurgy manufacturing process. The main objective of this work is to develop a processing method for an axially graded beam made of Cu/SiC by stacking powder in the longitudinal direction. A three‐layered Cu/SiC FGM having a step‐wise gradation along the length is fabricated. The green specimens are prepared by the uniaxial compaction of powder mixture by the universal testing machine (UTM) followed by cold isostatic pressing (CIP). Further, a detailed microstructure analysis of the powders and the sintered specimens is conducted. The Vicker's microhardness test is also performed for each layer of the sintered specimen to analyze the effect of SiC content. A smooth transition of the ceramic content in the specimen along the length is observed. The effect of ball milling on the crystallite size is studied using Scherrer and Williamson−Hall approach. An uniform and consistent distribution of the SiC particles shows a reduction in porosities and increment in the hardness value with increase in SiC wt% is also observed. The present investigation helps to design functionally graded rotor blades, gears, and orthopedic implants.

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A closed-form bending solution of the multisegmented panels is presented for different support conditions. The panels can have multiple no. of segments along the x-axis with varying material properties. The governing equations are formulated using the extended Kantorovich method (EKM) in the mixed-form, and a set of ordinary differential equations have been obtained. The continuity of displacement and stresses are satisfied at the interface of each segment. The panels can have simply-support, clamp, and free types of support conditions. The panel interface at each segment along the x-axis is assumed to be perfectly bonded. In this work, the stress and deformation variations for four types of panel configuration have been studied. Two segmented panels having aluminum and Graphite-Epoxy with equal and unequal segments are considered. A foursegmented Al/SiC panel having gradual material variation is also analyzed. The effect of ply-angles on the longitudinal variables is also studied for the equal segmented Al/GrEp panel. The deflection and stresses are compared with the finite element solution and found in good agreement with the EKM results. The current development will lead to developing the solution for stepped panels, dissimilar plates, and more complex cases used in aerospace applications.