This study is concerned with a theoretical treatment of plane thermoelastic problem of an inhomogeneous medium. We assume that a medium has inhomogeneous material properties which are changed in a form of power of coordinate variable y. In the present report we consider a plane thermoelastic problem of an inhomogeneous slab whose material inhomogeneity is symmetrical with a middle plane, and which is subjected to nonuniformly distributed and symmetrical heat supply on boundary surfaces. Making use of fundamental equations system of thermoelasticity for the inhomogeneous medium which have already been formulated by one of authors, we attempt to derive analytical solutions of temperature change, thermal displacement and thermal stresses in the slab. Thereafter, carrying out numerical calculations, we discuss an effect of material inhomogeneity upon the thermoelastic behavior in the slab and material inhomogeneity to secure material strength against thermal loading.
