Abstract: The non-linear governing differential equations of immovably simply supported functionally graded material (FGM) rod subjected to thermal loads were derived. The thermal post-buckling behaviors of FGM rod made of ZrO₂ and Ti-6A1-4V were analyzed by shooting method. Firstly, the thermal post-buckling equilibrium paths of the FGM rod with different gradient index in the uniform temperature field were plotted, and compared with the behaviors of the homogeneous rods made of ZrO₂ and Ti-6A1-4V materials, respectively. For given value of end rotation angles, the influence of gradient index on the thermal post-buckling behaviors of FGM rod was discussed. Secondly, the thermal post-buckling characteristics of the FGM rod were analyzed when the temperature difference parameter is changed while the bottom temperature parameter remains constant, and when the bottom temperature parameter is changed while the temperature difference parameter remains constant, and compared with the characteristics of the two homogeneous material rods.

Key words: functionally graded material rods, thermaln post-buckling, shooting method