Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are characterized by a gradual variation in composition and structure over volume, resulting in corresponding changes in material properties. FGMs are designed for specific functions and applications by tailoring the material properties. Conventional fiber reinforced composites can develop interlaminar stresses and failures at interfaces under thermomechanical loading, whereas FGMs allow a reduction of such failures through a continuous variation of material properties. FGMs provide advantages over multi-material structures such as smooth and continuous variation of materials, light weight, relaxation of thermal stresses, high heat and wear resistance, and minimization of interfacial stresses.