Experimental identification of FGM shell properties

Functionally gradient materials (FGMs) have attracted a growing interest as advanced structural materials because of their heat-resistance properties. In this paper, an experimental study on the vibration of cylindrical shells made of a functionally gradient material (FGM) composed of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is presented: to obtain functional gradient proprieties the PET shell had been exposed at a thermal temperature gradient in the range of its glass transition temperature of 79°C. The setting up of the experiment is explained and deeply described along with the thermal characterisation of the specimen. The linear and the nonlinear dynamic behaviour have been investigated. The shell behaviour is also investigated by means of a finite element model, in order to enhance the comprehension of experimental results.