Vibration of beams with piezoelectric inclusions

A mathematical model for the vibration of beams with piezoelectric inclusions is presented. The piezoelectric inclusion in a non-piezoelectric matrix (host beam) is analyzed as two inhomogeneous inclusion problems, elastic and dielectric, by using Eshelby’s equivalent inclusion method. The natural frequency of the beam is determined from the variational principle in Rayleigh quotient form, which is expressed as functions of the elastic strain energy and dielectric energy of the piezoelectric inclusion. The Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and Rayleigh–Ritz approximation technique are used in the present analysis. In addition, a parametric study is conducted to investigate the influence of the energies due to piezoelectric coupling on the natural frequency of the beam.     

Transient wave analysis of a cantilever Timoshenko beam subjected to impact loading by Laplace transform and normal mode methods

This study applies two analytical approaches, Laplace transform and normal mode methods, to investigate the dynamic transient response of a cantilever Timoshenko beam subjected to impact forces. Explicit solutions for the normal mode method and the Laplace transform method are presented. The Durbin method is used to perform the Laplace inverse transformation, and numerical results based on these two approaches are compared. The comparison indicates that the normal mode method is more efficient than the Laplace transform method in the transient response analysis of a cantilever Timoshenko beam, whereas the Laplace transform method is more appropriate than the normal mode method when analyzing the complicated multi-span Timoshenko beam. Furthermore, a three-dimensional finite element cantilever beam model is implemented. The results are compared with the transient responses for displacement, normal stress, shear stress, and the resonant frequencies of a Timoshenko beam and Bernoulli–Euler beam theories. The transient displacement response for a cantilever beam can be appropriately evaluated using the Timoshenko beam theory if the slender ratio is greater than 10 or using the Bernoulli–Euler beam theory if the slender ratio is greater than 100. Moreover, the resonant frequency of a cantilever beam can be accurately determined by the Timoshenko beam theory if the slender ratio is greater than 100 or by the Bernoulli–Euler beam theory if the slender ratio is greater than 400.     

Dispersion and localisation in structured Rayleigh beams

This paper brings a comparative analysis between dynamic models of couple-stress elastic materials and structured Rayleigh beams on a Winkler foundation. Although physical phenomena have different physical origins, the underlying equations appear to be similar, and hence mathematical models have a lot in common. In the present work, our main focus is on the analysis of dispersive waves, band-gaps and localised waveforms in structured Rayleigh beams. The Rayleigh beam theory includes the effects of rotational inertia which are neglected in the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. This makes the approach applicable to higher frequency regimes. Special attention is given to waves in pre-stressed Rayleigh beams on elastic foundations.     

Theoretical analysis of transient waves in a simply-supported Timoshenko beam by ray and normal mode methods

The dynamic transient responses of a simply-supported Timoshenko beam subjected to an impact force are investigated by two theoretical approaches – ray and normal mode methods. The mathematical methodology proposed in this study for the ray method enable us to construct the solution for the interior source problem and to extend to solve the complicated problem for the multi span of the Timoshenko beam. Numerical results based on these two approaches are compared. The comparison in this study indicates that the normal mode method is more computationally efficient than the ray method except for very short time after the impact. The long-time transient responses are easily calculated using the normal mode method. It is shown that the average long-time transient response converges to the corresponding static value. The Timoshenko beam theory is more accurate than the Bernoulli–Euler beam theory because it includes shear and rotary inertia. This study also provides the slender ratio for which the Bernoulli–Euler beam can be used for the transient-response analysis of the displacement. Moreover, the resonant frequencies obtained from finite element calculation based on the three-dimensional model are compared with the results calculated using the Timoshenko beam and Bernoulli–Euler beam theories. It is noted in this study that the resonant frequency can be accurately determined by the Timoshenko beam theory if the slender ratio is larger than 100, and by the Bernoulli–Euler beam theory if the slender ratio is larger than 400.     

Load motion along a beam on a viscoelastic half-space

An expression is derived for equivalent foundation of a viscoelastic half-space interacting with an Euler–Bernoulli beam. It is shown that this equivalent viscoelastic foundation depends on frequencies and wave numbers of the waves in the beam. The real and imaginary part of it substantially varies for phase velocities in between the Rayleigh and shear waves velocities. Radiation of elastic waves occurs for velocities larger than some velocity in that interval. The steady-state beam displacements due to a uniformly moving constant load are calculated for different velocities. The maximum displacement under the load takes place for a velocity of order of the Rayleigh waves velocity.     

Nonlinear vibration analysis of piezoelectric bending actuators: Theoretical and experimental studies

Piezoelectric bimorph actuators are used in a variety of applications, including micro positioning, vibration control, and micro robotics. The nature of the aforementioned applications calls for the dynamic characteristics identification of actuator at the embodiment design stage. For decades, many linear models have been presented to describe the dynamic behavior of this type of actuators; however, in many situations, such as resonant actuation, the piezoelectric actuators exhibit a softening nonlinear behavior; hence, an accurate dynamic model is demanded to properly predict the nonlinearity. In this study, first, the nonlinear stress–strain relationship of a piezoelectric material at high frequencies is modified. Then, based on the obtained constitutive equations and Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, a continuous nonlinear dynamic model for a piezoelectric bending actuator is presented. Next, the method of multiple scales is used to solve the discretized nonlinear differential equations. Finally, the results are compared with the ones obtained experimentally and nonlinear parameters are identified considering frequency response and phase response simultaneously. Also, in order to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed model, it is tested out of the identification range as well.     

The static and dynamic behavior of MEMS arch resonators near veering and the impact of initial shapes

We investigate experimentally and analytically the effect of initial shapes, arc and cosine wave, on the static and dynamic behavior of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) arch resonators. We show that by carefully choosing the geometrical parameters and the initial shape of the arch, the veering phenomenon (avoided-crossing) among the first two symmetric modes can be strongly activated. To demonstrate this, we study electrothermally tuned and electrostatically driven initially curved MEMS resonators. Upon changing the electrothermal voltage, we demonstrate high frequency tunability of arc resonators compared to the cosine-configuration resonators for the first and third resonance frequencies. For arc beams, we show that the first resonance frequency increases up to twice its fundamental value and the third resonance frequency decreases until getting very close to the first resonance frequency triggering the veering phenomenon. Around the veering regime, we study experimentally and analytically the dynamic behavior of the arc beam for different electrostatic loads. The analytical study is based on a reduced order model of a nonlinear Euler–Bernoulli shallow arch beam model. The veering phenomenon is also confirmed through a finite-element multi-physics and nonlinear model.     

Asymptotic frequencies of various damped nonlocal beams and plates

A striking difference between the conventional local and nonlocal dynamical systems is that the later possess finite asymptotic frequencies. The asymptotic frequencies of four kinds of nonlocal viscoelastic damped structures are derived, including an Euler–Bernoulli beam with rotary inertia, a Timoshenko beam, a Kirchhoff plate with rotary inertia and a Mindlin plate. For these undamped and damped nonlocal beam and plate models, the analytical expressions for the asymptotic frequencies, also called the maximum or escape frequencies, are obtained. For the damped nonlocal beams or plates, the asymptotic critical damping factors are also obtained. These quantities are independent of the boundary conditions and hence simply supported boundary conditions are used. Taking a carbon nanotube as a numerical example and using the Euler–Bernoulli beam model, the natural frequencies of the carbon nanotubes with typical boundary conditions are computed and the asymptotic characteristics of natural frequencies are shown.     

On the plastic buckling of curved carbon nanotubes

This research, for the first time, predicts theoretically static stability response of a curved carbon nanotube(CCNT) under an elastoplastic behavior with several boundary conditions. The CCNT is exposed to axial compressive loads. The equilibrium equations are extracted regarding the Euler–Bernoulli displacement field by means of the principle of minimizing total potential energy.The elastoplastic stress-strain is concerned with Ramberg–Osgood law on the basis of deformation and flow theories of plasticity. To seize the nano-mechanical behavior of the CCNT, the nonlocal strain gradient elasticity theory is taken into account. The obtained differential equations are solved using the Rayleigh–Ritz method based on a new admissible shape function which is able to analyze stability problems. To authorize the solution, some comparisons are illustrated which show a very good agreement with the published works. Conclusively, the best findings confirm that a plastic analysis is crucial in predicting the mechanical strength of CCNTs.     

Non-local finite element analysis of damped beams

Non-local viscoelastic beam models are used to analyse the dynamics of beams with different boundary conditions using the finite element method. Unlike local damping models the internal force of the non-local model is obtained as weighted average of state variables over a spatial domain via convolution integrals with spatial kernel functions that depend on a distance measure. In the finite element analysis, the interpolating shape functions of the element displacement field are identical to those of standard two-node beam elements. However, for non-local damping, nodes remote from the element do have an effect on the energy expressions, and hence on the damping matrix. The expressions of these direct and cross damping matrices may be obtained explicitly for some common spatial kernel functions and Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Alternatively numerical integration may be applied to obtain solutions. Examples are given where the eigenvalues are compared to the exact solution for a pinned–pinned beam to demonstrate the convergence of the finite element method. The results for beams with other boundary conditions are used to demonstrate the versatility of the finite element technique.     

Axial-flexural coupled vibration and buckling of composite beams using sinusoidal shear deformation theory

A finite element model based on sinusoidal shear deformation theory is developed to study vibration and buckling analysis of composite beams with arbitrary lay-ups. This theory satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of beam without using shear correction factors. Besides, it has strong similarity with Euler–Bernoulli beam theory in some aspects such as governing equations, boundary conditions, and stress resultant expressions. By using Hamilton’s principle, governing equations of motion are derived. A displacement-based one-dimensional finite element model is developed to solve the problem. Numerical results for cross-ply and angle-ply composite beams are obtained as special cases and are compared with other solutions available in the literature. A variety of parametric studies are conducted to demonstrate the effect of fiber orientation and modulus ratio on the natural frequencies, critical buckling loads, and load-frequency curves as well as corresponding mode shapes of composite beams.     

Buckling analysis of two layer delaminated beams with bridging

Stitching has been used as through-thickness reinforcement to reduce the effects of delamination. In stitching, the delamination will be held by stitches in the form of crack/interface bridging. In the present work, the reinforcement of stitching threads is assumed to provide continuous linear restoring tractions opposing the delamination opening. A generalized mathematical model is developed to study the buckling analysis of two layer delaminated beams with bridging by using Rayleigh–Ritz energy method. The delaminated beam is analyzed as four interconnected beams using the delamination as their boundary. Lagrange multipliers are used to enforce the boundary and continuity conditions between the junctions of the interconnected beams. The developed mathematical model is solved as an eigenvalue problem in which the lowest eigenvalue gives the buckling load. Effective-bridging modulus, a new nondimensionalized parameter, is introduced to study the influence of bridging on the delamination buckling. It is shown that bridging strongly influences the buckling load of the delaminated beams and a monotonic relation is observed between the buckling load and the effective-bridging modulus. Parametric studies in terms of delamination sizes and locations along spanwise and thicknesswise positions on the buckling load have been carried out. The bridging is found to be effective for shallow delaminations of moderate length, and for deep and long delaminations. Spanwise positions of delamination strongly influence the buckling loads. In addition, an analytical model for obtaining upper bounds of the buckling load is developed by using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Effective-slenderness ratio, a new nondimensionalized parameter is defined and it is found to be controlling the buckling mode configurations, i.e., local, global and mixed modes.     

Size-dependent free vibration analysis of composite laminated Timoshenko beam based on new modified couple stress theory

A micro-scale free vibration analysis of composite laminated Timoshenko beam (CLTB) model is developed based on the new modified couple stress theory. In this theory, a new anisotropic constitutive relation is defined for modeling the CLTB. This theory uses rotation–displacement as dependent variable and contains only one material length scale parameter. Hamilton’s principle is employed to derive the governing equations of motion and boundary conditions. This new model can be reduced to composite laminated Bernoulli–Euler beam model of the couple stress theory. An example analysis of free vibration of the cross-ply simply supported CLTB model is adopted, and an explicit expression of analysis solution is given. Additionally, the numerical results show that the present beam models can capture the scale effects of the natural frequencies of the micro-structure.     

Analysis of micropolar elastic beams

In this paper, a linear theory for the analysis of beams based on the micropolar continuum mechanics is developed. Power series expansions for the axial displacement and micro-rotation fields are assumed. The governing equations are derived by integrating the momentum and moment of momentum equations in the micropolar continuum theory. Body couples and couple stresses can be supported in this theory. After some simplifications, this theory can be reduced to the well-known Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli beam theories. The nature of flexural and longitudinal waves in the infinite length micropolar beam has been investigated. This theory predicts the existence of micro-rotational waves which are not present in any of the known beam theories based on the classical continuum mechanics. Also, the deformation of a cantilever beam with transverse concentrated tip loading has been studied. The pattern of deflection of the beam is similar to the classical beam theories, but couple stress and micro-rotation show an oscillatory behavior along the beam for various loadings.     

Shape optimization of beam due to lateral buckling problem

Based on a non-linear mathematical model of lateral buckling of a slender beam with a narrow rectangular cross section, the variational formulation of the two-parametric optimization problem is given in the dimensionless form. An optimal shape is obtained by solving the variational problem using the Rayleigh–Ritz method with the orthogonal system of trigonometric functions. By a partial solution of the Euler–Lagrange differential equation of the variational problem, a proof is given that in the case of the optimal shape, a maximal reference stress according to the total strain energy theory is constant along the beam. An example of extrapolation of the two-parametric optimization problem solution is represented.     

Nonlinear vibrations of a sandwich piezo-beam system under piezoelectric actuation

The paper describes the use of active structures technology for deformation and nonlinear free vibrations control of a simply supported curved beam with upper and lower surface-bonded piezoelectric layers, when the curvature is a result of the electric field application. Each of the active layers behaves as a single actuator, but simultaneously the whole system may be treated as a piezoelectric composite bender. Controlled application of the voltage across piezoelectric layers leads to elongation of one layer and to shortening of another one, which results in the beam deflection. Both the Euler–Bernoulli and von Karman moderately large deformation theories are the basis for derivation of the nonlinear equations of motion. Approximate analytical solutions are found by using the Lindstedt–Poincaré method which belongs to perturbation techniques. The method makes possible to decompose the governing equations into a pair of differential equations for the static deflection and a set of differential equations for the transversal vibration of the beam. The static response of the system under the electric field is investigated initially. Then, the free vibrations of such deformed sandwich beams are studied to prove that statically pre-stressed beams have higher natural frequencies in regard to the straight ones and that this effect is stronger for the lower eigenfrequencies. The numerical analysis provides also a spectrum of the amplitude-dependent nonlinear frequencies and mode shapes for different geometrical configurations. It is demonstrated that the amplitude–frequency relation, which is of the hardening type for straight beams, may change from hard to soft for deformed beams, as it happens for the symmetric vibration modes. The hardening-type nonlinear behaviour is exhibited for the antisymmetric vibration modes, independently from the system stiffness and dimensions.

     

The stability analysis of a slider-crank mechanism due to the existence of two-component parametric resonance

The objective of this paper is an analytical and numerical study of the dynamics and dynamic instability of a slider-crank mechanism with an inextensible elastic coupler. Special attention is given to the phenomena arising due to modal interactions produced by the existence of multi-component, specifically two-component, parametric resonance. Such modal couplings are very common in the bending-bending motions of fixed/ rotating beams. The two-component parametric resonance occurs when one of the natural frequencies of flexible parts of the mechanism is one-half or twice of the excitation frequency and simultaneously the sums or the differences among the internal frequencies are the same, or neighboring, as the frequency of excitation. The effects of two-component parametric resonance post on instability condition are also investigated. Resonance generated by more than two component modes are neglected due to its remote probability of occurrence in nature. The mechanics of the problem is Newtonian. Methods of analysis will consist of the dynamics of small deformations superimposed on the undeformed state. Without loss of generality and based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, the coupled nonlinear equations of motion of a slider-crank mechanism with an inextensible flexible linkage are derived. The Newtons second law is used to obtain the boundary constraints at the piston end. Galerkins procedure was used to remove the dependence of spatial coordinates in the partial differential equations. The method of multiple time scales is applied to consider the steady state solutions and the occurrence of dynamic instability of the resulting multidegree-of-freedom dynamical system with time-periodic coefficients.     

A shearable and thickness stretchable finite strain beam model for soft structures

Soft materials and structures have recently attracted lots of research interests as they provide paramount potential applications in diverse fields including soft robotics, wearable devices, stretchable electronics and biomedical engineering. In a previous work, an Euler–Bernoulli finite strain beam model with thickness stretching effect was proposed for soft thin structures subject to stiff constraint in the width direction. By extending that model to account for the transverse shear effect, a Timoshenko-type finite strain beam model within the plane-strain context is developed in the present work. With some kinematic hypotheses, the finite deformation of the beam is analyzed, constitutive equations are deduced from the theory of finite elasticity, and by employing the standard variational method, the equilibrium equations and associated boundary conditions are derived. In the limit of infinitesimal strain, the new model degenerates to the classical extensible and shearable elastica model. The corresponding incremental equilibrium equations and associated boundary conditions are also obtained. Based on the new beam model, analytical solutions are given for simple deformation modes, including uniaxial tension, simple shear, pure bending, and buckling under an axial load. Furthermore, numerical solution procedures and results are presented for cantilevered beams and simply supported beams with immovable ends. The results are also compared with the previously developed finite strain Euler–Bernoulli beam model to demonstrate the significance of transverse shear effect for soft beams with a small length-to-thickness ratio. The developed beam model will contribute to the design and analysis of soft robots and soft devices.     

Wavelet approach to vibratory analysis of surface due to a load moving in the layer

The paper analyses theoretically the surface vibration induced by a point load moving uniformly along a infinitely long beam embedded in a two-dimensional viscoelastic layer. The beam is placed parallel to the traction-free surface and the layer under the beam is assumed to be a half space. The response due to a harmonically varying load is investigated for different load frequencies. The influence of the layer damping and moving load speed on the level of vibrations at the surface is analysed and analytical closed form solutions in the integral form for the displacement amplitude and the amplitude spectra are derived. Approximate displacement values depending on Young’s modulus and mass density of layers are obtained. The mathematical model is described by the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation, Navier’s elastodynamic equation of motion for the elastic medium and appropriate boundary and continuity conditions. A special approximation method based on the wavelet theory is used for calculation of the displacements at the surface.     

Accurate analytical perturbation approach for large amplitude vibration of functionally graded beams

The present work derives the accurate analytical solutions for large amplitude vibration of thin functionally graded beams. In accordance with the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and the von Kármán type geometric non-linearity, the second-order ordinary differential equation having odd and even non-linearities can be formulated through Hamilton's principle and Galerkin's procedure. This ordinary differential equation governs the non-linear vibration of functionally graded beams with different boundary constraints. Building on the original non-linear equation, two new non-linear equations with odd non-linearity are to be constructed. Employing a generalised Senator–Bapat perturbation technique as an ingenious tool, two newly formulated non-linear equations can be solved analytically. By selecting the appropriate piecewise approximate solutions from such two new non-linear equations, the analytical approximate solutions of the original non-linear problem are established. The present solutions are directly compared to the exact solutions and the available results in the open literature. Besides, some examples are selected to confirm the accuracy and correctness of the current approach. The effects of boundary conditions and vibration amplitudes on the non-linear frequencies are also discussed.