Functionally gradient materials (FGM) are new engineering materials without
fully understanding. One important aspect in mechanical analysis of FGM is
to determine a gradient distribution that finally results in maximum therm
al stress relaxation. In this paper, numerical analysis by finite element m
ethod and experimental analysis by Moire interference method were carried o
ut to study the stress distribution in FGM. Much attention was paid on the
edge effect stresses in the coating/substrate structures, and their depende
nce on the different gradient distribution of the new kind of composite mat
erials. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.