Geometrically nonlinear analysis of Timoshenko piezoelectric nanobeams with flexoelectricity effect based on Eringen's differential model

This study analyzes the nonlinear free vibration and post-buckling of nanobeams with flexoelectric effect based on Eringen's differential model. The nanobeam is modeled based on Timoshenko beam's theory. The von-Kármán strain–displacement relation together with the electrical Gibbs free energy and Hamilton's principle are employed to derive equations of motion. The nonlinear free vibration frequencies are obtained for pinned–pinned (P–P) and clamped–clamped (C–C) boundary conditions. Multiple scales method is employed to obtain the closed-form solution for the nonlinear governing equations. By employing this methodology, the natural frequencies of nanobeams are obtained and their post-buckling behavior is examined. The influence of nonlocal parameter, amplitude ratio, and input voltage on the top surface and flexoelectricity constant on nonlinear free vibration and post-buckling characteristics of nanobeam is investigated. In this paper, it is concluded that the flexoelectricity has a significant effect on free vibration of the beams in nano-scale and its effect has to be considered in designing nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) such as nano- generators and nano-sensors.     

Nonlocal coupled photo-thermoelasticity analysis in a semiconducting micro/nano beam resonator subjected to plasma shock loading: A Green-Naghdi-based analytical solution

In this article, coupled photo-thermoelasticity analysis is carried out using an analytical method in a semiconducting micro/nano beam resonator, considering Green – Naghdi theory (with energy dissipation) and small scale effects. The governing equations for temperature and displacement fields are derived using Eringen nonlocal theory combined with Rayleigh beam theory. One end of the assumed semiconducting MEMS/NEMS is excited by three types of suddenly increasing carrier density and temperature as the plasma and thermal shock loading. The transient behaviours of carrier density field are studied and the effects of disturbances in plasma field on other fields including temperature and deflection are obtained using the proposed analytical solution. The presented analytical solution is based on Laplace transform. To find the dynamic and transient behaviours of fields’ variables in time domain, an inversion Laplace technique is utilized, which is called Talbot method. The effects of small scale parameter and dimensions of the semiconducting micro/nano beam on the dynamic behaviours of fields’ variables are discussed in detail. The axial wave propagation and the distribution of fields’ variables along axial direction are studied at various times.     

Frequency analysis of carbon and silicon nanosheet with surface effects

Silicon-based microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) have been used to design and fabricate sensitive sensors and actuators. Recent research trends show that graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used to change the surface properties of silicon-based MEMS and NEMS to improve different mechanical, optical and electrical properties of silicon-based composites. In this paper, we focus on analyzing the vibrational characteristics of silicon-based devices when the surface of silicon is coated with single-layer graphene and horizontally aligned carbon nanotubes (HACNTs). To perform the analysis, we use multi-scale finite element approach for developing graphene–silicon nanocomposites (GSNCs) and carbon nanotube-silicon nanocomposites (CSNC) composites in which interface layer of silicon with graphene or CNT is modeled using bonded contact element. Subsequently, we performed modal analysis to find the first transverse mode frequency of GSNC and CSNC composites for beam with smaller as well as longer lengths. The numerical model is compared with classical beam theory with and without surface effect. For GSNCs composites, we take a fixed-free case with lengths in the range of (20 Å–120 Å) and (400 Å–2000 Å), respectively. For CSNC composites, CNT diameter is varied from (5 Å–30 Å) for single walled nanotube. Subsequently, we analyze the influence of HACNTs-on-silicon on its vibrational characteristics. The analysis presented in the paper demonstrate that GSNCs offer a higher bending stiffness compared to single layer graphene (SLGs) and isolated silicon nanosheet which lead to higher natural frequency. A similar trend is found in the case of HACNTs on silicon NS when the number of tubes increases.     

Flexoelectric and surface effects on the electromechanical behavior of graphene-based nanobeams

In this novel work, the electromechanical behavior of graphene-based nanocomposite (GNC) beams with flexoelectric and surface effects were investigated using size-dependent Euler-Bernoulli theory, linear piezoelectricity and Galerkin's weighted residual method along with modified strength of materials and finite element (FE) approaches. In addition, analytical and FE models were developed to study the static response of flexoelectric GNC nanobeams with various boundary conditions: cantilever, simply-supported and clamped-clamped. The developed models predict that the effective piezoelectric coefficients of GNC are responsible for the actuation capability of a graphene layer in the transverse direction due to the applied field in its axial direction and the predictions by both the models are found to be in good agreement. Results reveal that the flexoelectric and surface effects on the static response of GNC nanobeams are significant and should be taken into account. The electromechanical response of GNC nanobeams can be tailored to achieve the required coupled electromechanical characteristics of a vast range of NEMS using various boundary conditions and thickness of nanobeam as well as volume fraction of graphene. Our fundamental study sheds a light on the possibility of developing high-performance and lightweight graphene-based NEMS such as nanosensors, nanogenerators and nanoresonators using non-piezoelectric graphene.     

Three-dimensional exact solution of layered two-dimensional quasicrystal simply supported nanoplates with size-dependent effects

A size-dependent plate model is developed to investigate the elastic responses of the multilayered two-dimensional quasicrystal nanoplates based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory for the first time. A nonlocal stress field parameter and a length scale parameter are taken into account in the new model to capture both stiffness-softening and stiffness-hardening size effects. The exact solution for a single-layer two-dimensional quasicrystal simply supported nanoplate is derived by utilizing the pseudo-Stroh formalism in conjunction with the nonlocal strain gradient theory. Afterward, a dual variable and position method is used to deal with the multilayered case. Numerical examples are presented to study the dependence of size-dependent effect on nanoplate length and the influences of scale parameters on the quasicrystal nanoplate subjected to a z-direction mechanical load on its top surface. The proposed model should be useful to verify various nanoplate theories and other numerical methods.     

Stability analysis of cantilever carbon nanotubes subjected to partially distributed tangential force and viscoelastic foundation

Dynamic instability of cantilever carbon nanotubes conveying fluid embedded in viscoelastic foundation under a partially distributed tangential force is investigated based on nonlocal elasticity theory and Euler–Bernouli beam theory. The present study has incorporated the effects of nonlocal parameter, Knudsen number, surface effects and magnetic field. And two main parameters have also considered, namely partially distributed tangential force and foundation. It is assumed that viscoelastic foundation has modeled as Kelvin–Voigt, Maxwell and Standard linear solid types. The size-dependent governing equation of transverse vibration is derived using Hamilton’s variational principle and discretized by the Galerkin truncation method. A detailed parameter study is carried out, indicating the stability behavior of the nanotubes. In the light of numerical results, it is shown that variables considered in nondimensional equations have significant effects on natural frequencies and flutter velocities, especially for the foundation distribution length and model as well as the partially distributed tangential force.     

Estimation of the PCR efficiency based on a size-dependent modelling of the amplification process

We propose a stochastic modelling of the PCR amplification process by a size-dependent branching process starting as a supercritical Bienaymé–Galton–Watson transient phase and then having a saturation near-critical size-dependent phase. This model based on the concept of saturation allows one to estimate the probability of replication of a DNA molecule at each cycle of a single PCR trajectory with a very good accuracy. To cite this article: N. Lalam et al., C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 341 (2005).     

A spectral method for numerical modeling of radial microwave heating in cylindrical samples with temperature dependent dielectric properties

In this paper, we develop a numerical model based on spectral methods for the simulation of heat transfer due to radial irradiation microwave applied to samples in cylindrical geometry. We solve the Maxwell’s equations and the resulting electric field distribution is incorporated as a source term in the heat transfer equation. The model includes the temperature dependence of the dielectric properties. The numerical model is validated with experimental temperature data from literature.     

On a bi-stability regime and the existence of odd subharmonics in a Comb-drive MEMS model with cubic stiffness

In this paper we study two different problems. First we present a novel result about the existence of a family of odd subharmonics with prescribed nodal properties for a general nonlinear oscillator with bounded domain and symmetries. Then we apply the general existence result to the Comb-drive finger MEMS model with a cubic nonlinear stiffness term, and prove analytically that the odd positive subharmonic of order two is linearly stable whenever the AC load of the input voltage is small enough. Moreover, we demonstrate a bi-stability regime for this model because the trivial solution $x\equiv 0$ is also linearly stable. The general existence result was obtained through a generalization of the Ortega’s variational principle (Ortega, 2016), and the stability assertions were obtained by following the perturbation approach in Cen et al. (2020) for the linear stability of a nontrivial periodic solution that emanates from the autonomous problem, and the well-known Zukovskii criterion.     

Explicit and Implicit Solver Coupling: Stability Analysis Based on an Eight-Parameter Test Model

Coupling different solvers via co-simulation is frequently applied in the field of multi-physical simulation. The numerical stability and accuracy of the coupled problem strongly depends on the coupling technique used for the co-simulation. In the current work, different co-simulation approaches are analytically investigated based on a linear eight-parameter test model. The test model is formulated in state-space form containing input and output variables so that the results may directly be applied to practical coupling interfaces. For the test model, recurrence formulas are derived for explicit and implicit coupling techniques of Jacobian and Gauss-Seidel type. The numerical stability of the co-simulation approach is examined by an eigenvalue analysis of the corresponding recurrence equation. Three-dimensional stability plots can be analyzed for different coupling methods and for arbitrary order of the extrapolation/interpolation polynomial. (© 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A conformal mapping approach for investigating the free-boundary seepage from symmetric channels

We present a new method to investigate the two-dimensional free-boundary groundwater seepage from symmetric soil channels into a homogeneous isotropic porous medium. We use Levi–Civitá’s function to construct an integral representation for the conformal mapping of the complex potential domain onto the physical flow domain. A genetic algorithm (GA) is used to calculate the coefficients of the Maclaurin series expansion of Levi–Civitá’s function. The coordinates of the points from the channel contour, calculated by means of the integral representation, must satisfy the analytic equation of the contour. We use this condition to define the objective function of the genetic algorithm. Levi–Civitá’s function is afterwards used to calculate the seepage loss, the free lines, the streamlines, the equipotential lines, the isobars and the velocity field. Some examples illustrate the method.     

Semi-analytic actuating and sensing in regular and irregular MEMs,single and assembled micro cantilevers

The static and dynamic behavior of regular and irregular single and assembled micro cantilever probes (ACPs) have been analysed. Various points and distributed loadings are considered. Since the applications of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are not limited to an especial boundary condition, two semi-analytical approaches, named the generalized differential quadrature and generalized differential quadrature element methods (GDQM and GDQEM) have been used for regular and irregular MEMS, respectively. With less computational cost, it has been clearly demonstrated that these methods are more accurate than common numerical methods such as the Finite Element Method (FEM). For probable cases, proposed approaches have been validated with the exact Green’s function method. Then, considering the various composite lamination configurations (angle/cross), the effects of the electromechanical loading on the nano steering devices have been introduced. At the end, the solution challenges for scanning (sensing) the especial micro and nano profiles has been discussed and as a general case, a nano gear has been studied. The phase plane approach shows the probability of solution for various configurations and suggests the best for more stability.     

A coupled finite and boundary spectral element method for linear water-wave propagation problems

A coupled boundary spectral element method (BSEM) and spectral element method (SEM) formulation for the propagation of small-amplitude water waves over variable bathymetries is presented in this work. The wave model is based on the mild-slope equation (MSE), which provides a good approximation of the propagation of water waves over irregular bottom surfaces with slopes up to 1:3. In unbounded domains or infinite regions, space can be divided into two different areas: a central region of interest, where an irregular bathymetry is included, and an exterior infinite region with straight and parallel bathymetric lines. The SEM allows us to model the central region, where any variation of the bathymetry can be considered, while the exterior infinite region is modelled by the BSEM which, combined with the fundamental solution presented by Cerrato et al. [A. Cerrato, J. A. González, L. Rodríguez-Tembleque, Boundary element formulation of the mild-slope equation for harmonic water waves propagating over unidirectional variable bathymetries, Eng. Anal. Boundary Elem. 62 (2016) 22–34.] can include bathymetries with straight and parallel contour lines. This coupled model combines important advantages of both methods; it benefits from the flexibility of the SEM for the interior region and, at the same time, includes the fulfilment of the Sommerfeld’s radiation condition for the exterior problem, that is provided by the BSEM. The solution approximation inside the elements is constructed by high order Legendre polynomials associated with Legendre–Gauss–Lobatto quadrature points, providing a spectral convergence for both methods. The proposed formulation has been validated in three different benchmark cases with different shapes of the bottom surface. The solutions exhibit the typical p-convergence of spectral methods.     

Thermal buckling and post-buckling analysis of geometrically imperfect FGM clamped tubes on nonlinear elastic foundation

Present research deals with the thermal buckling and post-buckling analysis of the geometrically imperfect functionally graded tubes on nonlinear elastic foundation. Imperfect FGM tube with immovable clamped–clamped end conditions is subjected to thermal environments. Tube under different types of thermal loads, such as heat conduction, linear temperature change, and uniform temperature rise is analyzed. Material properties of the FGM tube are assumed to be temperature dependent and are distributed through the radial direction. Displacement field satisfies the tangential traction free boundary conditions on the inner and outer surfaces of the FGM tube. The nonlinear governing equations of the FGM tube are obtained by means of the virtual displacement principle. The equilibrium equations are based on the nonlinear von Kármán assumption and higher order shear deformation circular tube theory. These coupled differential equations are solved using the two-step perturbation method. Approximate solutions are provided to estimate the thermal post-buckling response of the perfect/imperfect FGM tube as explicit functions of the various thermal loads. Numerical results are provided to explore the effects of different geometrical parameters of the FGM tube subjected to different types of thermal loads. The effects of power law index, springs stiffness of elastic foundation, and geometrical imperfection parameter of tube are also included.     

Application of Computer Simulation to Freight Transport Systems

Selecting an appropriate simulation-model structure for complicated, large-scale transport systems is a non-trivial and challenging task. This paper reports practical research which evaluates a number of alternative model structures for the Arizona state-highway network system based on the immediate dependency on input data obtained from a multistage mail survey. The most appropriate topology structure selected is a data-driven, link-based, discrete-event simulation model using conditional probability branching logic. Separating model and data makes the simulation model a generic traffic-routeing logic processor that is easy to use and does not require simulation skills. Different transport systems can easily be accommodated by simply changing input data. The model is validated by comparative analysis of input data using statistical techniques. An upper bound on the size of the valid network is thus obtained.     

Effects of partial slip,viscous dissipation and Joule heating on Von Kármán flow and heat transfer of an electrically conducting non-Newtonian fluid

The steady Von Kármán flow and heat transfer of an electrically conducting non-Newtonian fluid is extended to the case where the disk surface admits partial slip. The fluid is subjected to an external uniform magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the disk. The constitutive equation of the non-Newtonian fluid is modeled by that for a Reiner–Rivlin fluid. The momentum equations give rise to highly non-linear boundary value problem. Numerical solutions for the governing non-linear equations are obtained over the entire range of the physical parameters. The effects of slip, magnetic parameter and non-Newtonian fluid characteristics on the velocity and temperature fields are discussed in detail and shown graphically. Emphasis has been laid to study the effects of viscous dissipation and Joule heating on the thermal boundary layer. It is interesting to find that the non-Newtonian cross-viscous parameter has an opposite effect to that of the slip and the magnetic parameter on the velocity and the temperature fields.     

纵向磁场激励下简支输流微梁的动力学行为研究

受磁场驱动的微机电系统在工作中存在着力、磁、流-固耦合等非线性特征，其力学行为非常复杂，并将影响系统运行的安全性与可靠性.该文采用非局部Euler梁模型研究磁场激励下简支输流微梁（一种微机电系统）的动力学行为，通过动力系统分支理论和谐波平衡法来考察系统的稳定性和幅频特性曲线.结果表明，可以采用改变磁场强度、流速和阻尼的三重方式调节微机电系统的频率.研究中还发现，小尺度效应和磁场强度可以影响临界流速，阻尼的存在可以改变临界流速的个数和系统的分岔类型.     

A Deterministic Algorithm to Compute Approximate Roots of Polynomial Systems in Polynomial Average Time

We describe a deterministic algorithm that computes an approximate root of n complex polynomial equations in n unknowns in average polynomial time with respect to the size of the input, in the Blum–Shub–Smale model with square root. It rests upon a derandomization of an algorithm of Beltrán and Pardo and gives a deterministic affirmative answer to Smale’s 17th problem. The main idea is to make use of the randomness contained in the input itself.     

Numerical modeling of hydrodynamic and hydrothermal characteristics in subtropical alpine lake

A three-dimensional, time-dependent hydrodynamic and hydrothermal model was performed and applied to the subtropical alpine Yuan-Yang Lake (YYL) in northeastern region of Taiwan. The model was driven with discharge inflow, heat, and wind stress to simulate the hydrodynamic and hydrothermal in the lake. The model was validated with measured water surface elevation, current, and temperature in 2008. The overall model simulation results are in quantitative agreement with the available field data. The validated model was then used to investigate wind-driven current, mean circulation, and residence time in the YYL. The modeling results reveal that the velocity field along the wind axis present the variations over depth with return current where the velocity at the surface layer is along the wind direction while it is opposite near 1 m below water surface. The simulated mean current indicates that the surface currents flow towards the southwest direction and form a clock-wise rotation. The calculated residence time is strongly dependent on the inflows and wind effects. Regression analysis of model results reveals that an exponential regression equation can be employed to correlate the residence time to change of discharge input. The residence time without wind stress is higher than that with wind effect, indicating that wind plays an important role in lake mixing. The calculated residence time is approximately 2-2.5 days under low inflow with wind effect.