Design optimization of FGM beam in stability problem.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to define and solve the problem of an optimized structural topology of the simply supported beam made from functionally graded material (FGM) enabling achievement of a maximum buckling load.Design/methodology/approach Two kinds of inclusions are considered: regular distribution of inclusions of different rigidities and non-uniform distribution of identical inclusions. It is shown that the optimal conditions are similar for both structural designs. The optimization problems are solved by using the homogenization method, and the target functions belong to the class of piece-wise continuous functions. Both optimized structures exhibit border zones free of any inclusions, and the largest amount of inclusions is localized in the central zone of the beams.Findings It has been shown that the final result of the carried out optimization of the internal structure for both studied types of FGM are similar. The relative increase in the buckling force of the FG beam with the optimized internal structure is on amount of 20 per cent while comparing it with the regular structure beam.Originality/value In contrary to a standard approach, this paper is aimed to detect and study a scenario of transition from heterogeneous to its counterpart homogeneous beam structure based on the consideration of the FGM inclusions. In addition, the problem of inversed transition from the optimized homogeneous structure to the optimal heterogeneous one is solved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]