Nonlocal plate model for free vibrations of single-layered graphene sheets

Vibration analysis of single-layered graphene sheets (SLGSs) is investigated using nonlocal continuum plate model. To this end, Eringens's nonlocal elasticity equations are incorporated into the classical Mindlin plate theory for vibrations of rectangular nanoplates. In contrast to the classical model, the nonlocal model developed in this study has the capability to evaluate the natural frequencies of the graphene sheets with considering the size-effects on the vibrational characteristics of them. Solutions for frequencies of the free vibration of simply-supported and clamped SLGSs are computed using generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for the free vibration of various SLGSs with different values of side length and chirality are employed, the results of which are matched with the nonlocal model ones to derive the appropriate values of the nonlocal parameter relevant to each boundary condition. It is found that the value of the nonlocal parameter is independent of the magnitude of the geometrical variables of the system.     

Wave propagation in double-walled carbon nanotubes on a novel analytically nonlocal Timoshenko-beam model

This paper is concerned with the characteristics of wave propagation in double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs). The DWCNTs is simulated with a Timoshenko beam model based on the nonlocal continuum elasticity theory, referred to as an analytically nonlocal Timoshenko-beam (ANT) model. The governing equations of the DWCNTs beam consist of a set of four equations that are derived from the variational principle of the beam with high-order boundary conditions at the both ends, in which the effects of the nano-scale nonlocality and the van der Waals interaction between inner and outer tubes are inclusive. The characteristics of the wave propagation in the DWCNTs beam were analyzed with the new ANT model proposed and the comparisons with the partially nonlocal Timoshenko-beam (PNT) models in publication were made in details. The results show that the nonlocal effects of the ANT model proposed in the present study on the wave propagations are more significant because it is in stronger stiffness enhancement to the DWCNTs beam.     

On a potential-velocity formulation of Navier-Stokes equations

Computational methods in continuum mechanics, especially those encompassing fluid dynamics, have emerged as an essential investigative tool in nearly every field of technology. Despite being underpinned by a well-developed mathematical theory and the existence of readily available commercial software codes, computing solutions to the governing equations of fluid motion remains challenging: in essence due to the non-linearity involved. Additionally, in the case of free surface film flows the dynamic boundary condition at the free surface complicates the mathematical treatment notably. Recently, by introduction of an auxiliary potential field, a first integral of the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations has been constructed leading to a set of equations, the differential order of which is lower than that of the original Navier-Stokes equations. In this paper a physical interpretation is provided for the new potential, making use of the close relationship between plane Stokes flow and plane linear elasticity. Moreover, it is shown that by application of this alternative approach to free surface flows the dynamic boundary condition is reduced to a standard Dirichlet-Neumann form, which allows for an elegant numerical treatment. A least squares finite element method is applied to the problem of gravity driven film flow over corrugated substrates in order to demonstrate the capabilities of the new approach. Encapsulating non-Newtonian behaviour and extension to three-dimensional problems is discussed briefly.     

Buckling of single layer graphene sheet based on nonlocal elasticity and higher order shear deformation theory

Higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) is reformulated using the nonlocal differential constitutive relations of Eringen. The equations of motion of the nonlocal theories are derived. The developed equations of motion have been applied to study buckling characteristics of nanoplates such as graphene sheets. Navier's approach has been used to solve the governing equations for all edges simply supported boundary conditions. Analytical solutions for critical buckling loads of the graphene sheets are presented. Nonlocal elasticity theories are employed to bring out the small scale effect on the critical buckling load of graphene sheets. Effects of (i) nonlocal parameter, (ii) length, (iii) thickness of the graphene sheets and (iv) higher order shear deformation theory on the critical buckling load have been investigated. The theoretical development as well as numerical solutions presented herein should serve as reference for nonlocal theories as applied to the stability analysis of nanoplates and nanoshells.     

Variational principles for multi-walled carbon nanotubes undergoing buckling based on nonlocal elasticity theory

Variational principles are derived for multi-walled carbon nanotubes undergoing buckling using the semi-inverse method. Derivations are based on the continuum modelling of nanotubes taking into account small scale effects via the nonlocal theory of elasticity. Natural and geometric boundary conditions for multi-walled nanotubes are derived which leads to a set of coupled boundary conditions.     

On the flexoelectric deformations of finite size bodies

Exact equations describing flexoelectric deformation in solids, derived previously within the framework of a continuum media theory, are partial differential equations of the fourth order. They are too complex to be used in the cases interesting for applications. In this paper, using the fact of smallness of the elastic moduli of a higher order, simplified equations are proposed. Solution of the exact equations is approximately represented as a sum of two parts: the first part obeys one-dimensional differential equations and exponentially decays near surface and the second part satisfies the equations of classical theory of elasticity. The first part can be constructed in an explicit form. For the second part, boundary conditions are obtained. They have a form of the classical boundary conditions for the body under external forces on surface.     

Hybrid finite element method applied to supersonic flutter of an empty or partially liquid-filled truncated conical shell

In this study, aeroelastic analysis of a truncated conical shell subjected to the external supersonic airflow is carried out. The structural model is based on a combination of linear Sanders thin shell theory and the classic finite element method. Linearized first-order potential (piston) theory with the curvature correction term is coupled with the structural model to account for pressure loading. The influence of stress stiffening due to internal or external pressure and axial compression is also taken into account. The fluid-filled effect is considered as a velocity potential variable at each node of the shell elements at the fluid-structure interface in terms of nodal elastic displacements. Aeroelastic equations using the hybrid finite element formulation are derived and solved numerically. The results are validated using numerical and theoretical data available in the literature. The analysis is accomplished for conical shells of different boundary conditions and cone angles. In all cases the conical shell loses its stability through coupled-mode flutter. This proposed hybrid finite element method can be used efficiently for design and analysis of conical shells employed in high speed aircraft structures.     

Field reconstruction in an anisotropic elastic medium

For steady-state vibrations of an anisotropic elastic body of finite dimensions, a method of the determination of the vibration energy flows in the body is proposed. The method is based on the measurements of the surface values of the stress and displacement vectors at a part of the boundary. The proposed algorithm of the wave field reconstruction is reduced to solving nonclassical boundary integral equations of the first kind with smooth kernels. The formulation of these equations does not require the determination of fundamental solutions, but represents a conditionally well-posed problem. The numerical realization of the proposed method is based on the Tikhonov regularization method and the idea of the boundary element method. Numerical experiments consisting in the reconstruction of the displacements and stresses at the boundary of a rectangular and a circular domains of austenitic steel are performed in the framework of a planar problem of the orthothropic elasticity theory.     

Nonlocal elasticity theory for thermal buckling of nanoplates lying on Winkler–Pasternak elastic substrate medium

In the present work, thermal buckling of single-layered graphene sheets lying on an elastic medium is analyzed. For this purpose, the sinusoidal shear deformation plate theory in tandem with the nonlocal continuum theory, which takes the small scale effects into account, is employed. The non-linear stability equations, which contain the reaction of Winkler–Pasternak elastic substrate medium, are derived and then solved analytically for a plate with various boundary conditions and based on various plate theories. Closed form solutions are formulated for three types of thermal loadings as uniform, linear and nonlinear temperature rise through the thickness of the plate. A number of examples are presented to illustrate the numerical results concerned with the buckling temperature response of nanoplates resting on two-parameter elastic foundations. The influences played by transversal shear deformation, plate aspect ratio, side-to-thickness ratio, nonlocal parameter, and elastic foundation parameters are all investigated.     

A non-singular continuum theory of point defects using gradient elasticity of bi-Helmholtz type

In this paper, we develop a non-singular continuum theory of point defects based on a second strain gradient elasticity theory, the so-called gradient elasticity of bi-Helmholtz type. Such a generalised continuum theory possesses a weak nonlocal character with two internal material lengths and provides a mechanics of defects without singularities. Gradient elasticity of bi-Helmholtz type gives a natural and physical regularisation of the classical singularities of defects, based on higher order partial differential equations. Point defects embedded in an isotropic solid are considered as eigenstrain problem in gradient elasticity of bi-Helmholtz type. Singularity-free fields of point defects are presented. The displacement field as well as the first, the second and the third gradients of the displacement are derived and it is shown that the classical singularities are regularised in this framework. This model delivers non-singular expressions for the displacement field, the first displacement gradient and the second displacement gradient. Moreover, the plastic distortion (eigendistortion) and the gradient of the plastic distortion of a dilatation centre are also non-singular and are given in terms of a form factor (shape function) of a point defect. Singularity-free expressions for the interaction energy and the interaction force between two dilatation centres and for the interaction energy and the interaction force of a dilatation centre in the stress field of an edge dislocation are given. The results are applied to calculate the finite self-energy of a dilatation centre.     

Three-dimensional free vibration analysis of isotropic rectangular plates using the B-spline Ritz method

This paper presents three-dimensional free vibration analysis of isotropic rectangular plates with any thicknesses and arbitrary boundary conditions using the B-spline Ritz method based on the theory of elasticity. The proposed method is formulated by the Ritz procedure with a triplicate series of B-spline functions as amplitude displacement components. The geometric boundary conditions are numerically satisfied by the method of artificial spring. To demonstrate the convergence and accuracy of the present method, several examples with various boundary conditions are solved, and the results are compared with other published solutions by exact and other numerical methods based on the theory of elasticity and various plate theories. Rapid, stable convergences as well as high accuracy are obtained by the present method. The effects of geometric parameters on the vibrational behavior of cantilevered rectangular plates are also investigated. The results reported here may serve as benchmark data for finite element solutions and future developments in numerical methods.     

变系数瞬态热传导问题边界元格式的特征正交分解降阶方法

提出了一种基于边界元法求解变系数瞬态热传导问题的特征正交分解(POD)降阶方法,重组并推导出变系数瞬态热传导问题适合降阶的边界元离散积分方程,建立了变系数瞬态热传导问题边界元格式的POD降阶模型,并用常数边界条件下建立的瞬态热传导问题的POD降阶模态,对光滑时变边界条件瞬态热传导问题进行降阶分析.首先,对一个变系数瞬态热传导问题,建立其边界域积分方程,并将域积分转换成边界积分;其次,离散并重组积分方程,获得可用于降阶分析的矩阵形式的时间微分方程组;最后,用POD模态矩阵对该时间微分方程组进行降阶处理,建立降阶模型并对其求解.数值算例验证了本文方法的正确性和有效性.研究表明:1)常数边界条件下建立的低阶POD模态矩阵,能够用来准确预测复杂光滑时变边界条件下的温度场结果;2)低阶模型的建立,解决了边界元法中采用时间差分推进技术求解大型时间微分方程组时求解速度慢、算法稳定性差的问题.     

Buckling analysis of nanobeams with exponentially varying stiffness by differential quadrature method

We present the application of differential quadrature(DQ) method for the buckling analysis of nanobeams with exponentially varying stiffness based on four different beam theories of Euler-Bernoulli, Timoshenko, Reddy, and Levison.The formulation is based on the nonlocal elasticity theory of Eringen. New results are presented for the guided and simply supported guided boundary conditions. Numerical results are obtained to investigate the effects of the nonlocal parameter,length-to-height ratio, boundary condition, and nonuniform parameter on the critical buckling load parameter. It is observed that the critical buckling load decreases with increase in the nonlocal parameter while the critical buckling load parameter increases with increase in the length-to-height ratio.     

Exact analytical solution for free vibration of functionally graded micro/nanoplates via three-dimensional nonlocal elasticity

Using three-dimensional (3-D) nonlocal elasticity theory of Eringen, this paper presents closed-form solutions for in-plane and out-of-plane free vibration of simply supported functionally graded (FG) rectangular micro/nanoplates. Elasticity modulus and mass density of FG material are assumed to vary exponentially through the thickness of micro/nanoplate, whereas Poisson's ratio is considered to be constant. By employing appropriate displacement fields for the in-plane and out-of-plane modes that satisfy boundary conditions of the plate, ordinary differential equations of free vibration are obtained. Boundary conditions on the lateral surfaces are imposed on the analytical solutions of the equations to yield the natural frequencies of FG micro/nanoplate. The natural frequencies of FG micro/nanoplate are obtained for different values of nonlocal parameter and gradient index of material properties. The results of this investigation can be used as a benchmark for the future numerical, semi-analytical and analytical studies on the free vibration of FG micro/nanoplates.     

Vibration analysis of defective graphene sheets using nonlocal elasticity theory

Many papers have studied the free vibration of graphene sheets. However, all this papers assumed their atomic structure free of any defects. Nonetheless, they actually contain some defects including single vacancy, double vacancy and Stone-Wales defects. This paper, therefore, investigates the free vibration of defective graphene sheets, rather than pristine graphene sheets, via nonlocal elasticity theory. Governing equations are derived using nonlocal elasticity and the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The influence of structural defects on the vibration of graphene sheets is considered by applying the mechanical properties of defective graphene sheets. Afterwards, these equations solved using generalized differential quadrature method (GDQ). The small-scale effect is applied in the governing equations of motion by nonlocal parameter. The effects of different defect types are inspected for graphene sheets with clamped or simply-supported boundary conditions on all sides. It is shown that the natural frequencies of graphene sheets decrease by introducing defects to the atomic structure. Furthermore, it is found that the number of missing atoms, shapes and distributions of structural defects play a significant role in the vibrational behavior of graphene. The effect of vacancy defect reconstruction is also discussed in this paper.     

Nonlocal three-dimensional theory of elasticity with application to free vibration of functionally graded nanoplates on elastic foundations

In the present work, a three-dimensional (3D) elastic plate model capturing the small scale effects is developed for the free vibration of functionally graded (FG) nanoplates resting on elastic foundations. The theoretical model is formulated employing the nonlocal differential constitutive relations of Eringen in conjunction with the 3D equations of motion of elasticity.The material properties are assumed to vary continuously along the thickness of the nanoplate in accordance with the power law formulation. Through extending the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method to the three-dimensional case, the governing equations are simultaneously discretized in every three coordinate directions and are then recast to the standard form of an eigen value problem. Solving the acquired problem, the natural frequencies of the nanoplates with different boundary conditions are calculated. The convergence behavior of the numerical results is checked out and comparison studies are conducted to make sure of the accuracy and reliability of the present model. Finally, the dependence of the vibration behavior of the nanoplate on edge conditions, elastic coefficients of the foundation, scale coefficient, mode number, material and geometric parameters are discussed.     

Nonlocal and surface effects on the buckling behavior of functionally graded nanoplates: An isogeometric analysis

The size-dependent static buckling responses of circular, elliptical and skew nanoplates made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) are investigated in this article based on an isogeometric model. The Eringen nonlocal continuum theory is implemented to capture nonlocal effects. According to the Gurtin–Murdoch surface elasticity theory, surface energy influences are also taken into account by the consideration of two thin surface layers at the top and bottom of nanoplate. The material properties vary in the thickness direction and are evaluated using the Mori–Tanaka homogenization scheme. The governing equations of buckled nanoplate are achieved by the minimum total potential energy principle. To perform the isogeometric analysis as a solution methodology, a novel matrix-vector form of formulation is presented. Numerical examples are given to study the effects of surface stress as well as other important parameters on the critical buckling loads of functionally graded nanoplates. It is found that the buckling configuration of nanoplates at small scales is significantly affected by the surface free energy.     

Prediction of compressive post-buckling behavior of single-walled carbon nanotubes in thermal environments

In the present investigation, the axial buckling and post-buckling configurations of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are studied including the thermal environment effect. For this purpose, Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity continuum theory is implemented into the classical Euler–Bernoulli beam theory to represent the SWCNTs as a nonlocal elastic beam model. A closed-form analytical solution is carried out to analyze the static response of SWCNTs in their post-buckling state in which the axial buckling load is assumed to be beyond the critical axial buckling load. Common sets of boundary conditions, named simply supported–simply supported (SS–SS), clamped–clamped (C–C), and clamped–simply supported (C–SS), are considered in the investigation. Selected numerical results are given to represent the variation of the carbon nanotube’s mid-span deflection with the applied axial load corresponding to various nonlocal parameters, length-to-diameter aspect ratios, temperature changes, and end supports. Moreover, a comparison between the post-buckling behaviors of SWCNTs at low- and high-temperature environments is presented. It is found that the size effect leads to a decrease of the axial buckling load especially for SWCNTs with C–C boundary conditions. Also, it is revealed that the value of the temperature change plays different roles in the post-buckling response of SWCNTs at low- and high-temperature environments.     

Numerical analysis of immersed finite cylindrical shells using a coupled BEM/FEM and spatial spectrum approach

This study numerically analyzes submerged cylindrical shells using a coupled boundary element method (BEM) with finite element method (FEM) in conjunction with the wave number theory, in which the spatial Fourier transform of surface velocity for cylinders is directly related to pressure in a far field. The acoustic loading is formulated using a symmetric complex matrix derived from a boundary integral equation where the symmetry is based on an acoustic reciprocal principle for surface acoustics. In this formulation the acoustic loading matrix is a large acoustic element whose degree of freedom is connected to the normal displacement of the vibrating structures. The coupled BEM/FEM equation is a banded, symmetric matrix, and thus its bandwidth can be minimized using a proper algorithm. This formulation significantly increases numerical efficiency. The computed normal velocity is thus transformed to wave number representation to examine acoustic radiation. A finite plane cylindrical shell, without attached stiffeners, and a shell with internal ring stiffeners are chosen to demonstrate the present analysis procedure. The far field pressure computed directly from the integral equation and predicted by wave number theory correlates closely with increasing vibrating frequency. Meanwhile, the influences of the internal ring structures on acoustic radiation are examined using the wave number theory, which helps in understanding how internal structures influence radiated noise.