Abstract: A continuous gradient finite element model is established based on eight-node high-order two-directional graded elements with spatially varying thermo-elastic properties described by micromechanics and rules of mixture. The transient heat conduction and thermo-elasticity of a 2D graded Al 1100/Ti-6Al-4V/ZrO2 plate under a thermal cyclic load are analyzed by finite element-finite difference and finite element methods respectively, and the time response and spatial distribution of temperature and transient thermal stress field are calculated. Finally the effects of several parameters are discussed and some important conclusions are obtained: surface cracks are more likely to initiate during the cooling stage; the component distribution along the x direction influences the magnitude of the transient thermal stress and has few effects on its time response and spatial distribution, while the reverse is true for the component distribution along the y direction.