Analytical and Numerical Study of the Thermomechanical Behavior of Functionally Graded Cylindrical Tanks

In this study, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the thermomechanical behavior of cylindrical storage tanks with Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs), integrating both analytical and numerical approaches. We developed analytical models to predict temperature and stress distributions within these FGM tanks and validated them through finite element method (FEM) simulations. The results highlight the significant impact of property gradients on thermomechanical performance, revealing non-linear temperature variations across the tank’s thickness and complex stress gradients. These insights are crucial for designing more robust and efficient tanks for industrial applications, particularly under extreme thermal conditions. The findings underscore the importance of considering material property gradients in the design and analysis of thermal storage tanks.