Theoretical analysis on elastic buckling of nanobeams based on stress-driven nonlocal integral model

Several studies indicate that Eringen's nonlocal model may lead to some inconsistencies for both Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams, such as cantilever beams subjected to an end point force and fixed-fixed beams subjected a uniform distributed load. In this paper, the elastic buckling behavior of nanobeams, including both EulerBernoulli and Timoshenko beams, is investigated on the basis of a stress-driven nonlocal integral model. The constitutive equations are the Fredholm-type integral equations of the first kind, which can be transformed to the Volterra integral equations of the first kind. With the application of the Laplace transformation, the general solutions of the deflections and bending moments for the Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams as well as the rotation and shear force for the Timoshenko beams are obtained explicitly with several unknown constants. Considering the boundary conditions and extra constitutive constraints, the characteristic equations are obtained explicitly for the Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams under different boundary conditions, from which one can determine the critical buckling loads of nanobeams. The effects of the nonlocal parameters and buckling order on the buckling loads of nanobeams are studied numerically, and a consistent toughening effect is obtained.     

Explicit frequency equations of free vibration of a nonlocal Timoshenko beam with surface effects

Considerations of nonlocal elasticity and surface effects in micro-and nanoscale beams are both important for the accurate prediction of natural frequency. In this study, the governing equation of a nonlocal Timoshenko beam with surface effects is established by taking into account three types of boundary conditions: hinged–hinged, clamped–clamped and clamped–hinged ends. For a hinged–hinged beam, an exact and explicit natural frequency equation is obtained. However, for clamped–clamped and clamped–hinged beams, the solutions of corresponding frequency equations must be determined numerically due to their transcendental nature. Hence, the Fredholm integral equation approach coupled with a curve fitting method is employed to derive the approximate fundamental frequency equations, which can predict the frequency values with high accuracy. In short,explicit frequency equations of the Timoshenko beam for three types of boundary conditions are proposed to exhibit directly the dependence of the natural frequency on the nonlocal elasticity, surface elasticity, residual surface stress, shear deformation and rotatory inertia, avoiding the complicated numerical computation.     

Bending of small-scale Timoshenko beams based on the integral/differential nonlocal-micropolar elasticity theory: a finite element approach

A novel size-dependent model is developed herein to study the bending behavior of beam-type micro/nano-structures considering combined effects of nonlocality and micro-rotational degrees of freedom. To accomplish this aim, the micropolar theory is combined with the nonlocal elasticity. To consider the nonlocality, both integral(original)and differential formulations of Eringen's nonlocal theory are considered. The beams are considered to be Timoshenko-type, and the governing equations are derived in the variational form through Hamilton's principle. The relations are written in an appropriate matrix-vector representation that can be readily utilized in numerical approaches. A finite element(FE) approach is also proposed for the solution procedure. Parametric studies are conducted to show the simultaneous nonlocal and micropolar effects on the bending response of small-scale beams under different boundary conditions.     

Semi-analytic solution of Eringen’s two-phase local/nonlocal model for Euler-Bernoulli beam with axial force

Eringen’s two-phase local/nonlocal model is applied to an Euler-Bernoulli nanobeam considering the bending-induced axial force, where the contribution of the axial force to bending moment is calculated on the deformed state. Basic equations for the corresponding one-dimensional beam problem are obtained by degenerating from the three-dimensional nonlocal elastic equations. Semi-analytic solutions are then presented for a clamped-clamped beam subject to a concentrated force and a uniformly distributed load, respectively. Except for the traditional essential boundary conditions and those required to be satisfied by transferring an integral equation to its equivalent differential form, additional boundary conditions are needed and should be chosen with great caution, since numerical results reveal that non-unique solutions might exist for a nonlinear problem if inappropriate boundary conditions are used. The validity of the solutions is examined by plotting both sides of the original integro-differential governing equation of deflection and studying the error between both sides. Besides, an increase in the internal characteristic length would cause an increase in the deflection and axial force of the beam.     

Unified two-phase nonlocal formulation for vibration of functionally graded beams resting on nonlocal viscoelastic Winkler-Pasternak foundation

A nonlocal study of the vibration responses of functionally graded (FG) beams supported by a viscoelastic Winkler-Pasternak foundation is presented. The damping responses of both the Winkler and Pasternak layers of the foundation are considered in the formulation, which were not considered in most literature on this subject, and the bending deformation of the beams and the elastic and damping responses of the foundation as nonlocal by uniting the equivalently differential formulation of well-posed strain-driven (ε-D) and stress-driven (σ-D) two-phase local/nonlocal integral models with constitutive constraints are comprehensively considered, which can address both the stiffness softening and toughing effects due to scale reduction. The generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) is used to solve the complex eigenvalue problem. After verifying the solution procedure, a series of benchmark results for the vibration frequency of different bounded FG beams supported by the foundation are obtained. Subsequently, the effects of the nonlocality of the foundation on the undamped/damping vibration frequency of the beams are examined.     

Higher-order shear beam theories and enriched continuum

The buckling of higher-order shear beam-columns is studied in the light of enriched continuum. We show the equivalence between the enriched kinematics of usual higher-order shear beam theories with the nonlocal and gradient nature of the associated constitutive law. These equivalences are useful for a hierarchical classification of usual beam theories comprising Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, Timoshenko and third-order shear beam theories. A consistent variationnally presentation is derived for all generic theories, leading to meaningful buckling solutions. It is shown that Timoshenko or some other higher-order shear theories can be considered as nonlocal or gradient Euler-Bernoulli theories. The buckling problem of a third-order shear beam-column is analytically studied and treated in the framework of gradient elasticity Timoshenko theory. Some different gradient elasticity Timoshenko models are presented at the end of the paper with available buckling solutions for repetitive structures and microstructured beams.     

Exact closed-form solutions for the static analysis of multi-cracked gradient-elastic beams in bending

Cracks and other forms of concentrated damage can significantly affect the performance of slender beams under static and dynamic loads. The computational model for such defects often consists of a localised reduction in the flexural stiffness, which is macroscopically equivalent to a beam where the undamaged parts are hinged at the position of the crack, with a rotational spring taking into account the residual stiffness (“discrete spring” model). It has been recently demonstrated that this model is equivalent to an inhomogeneous Euler–Bernoulli beam in which a Dirac’s delta is added to the bending flexibility at the position of each damage (“flexibility crack” model). Since these models concentrate the increased curvature at a single abscissa, a jump discontinuity appears in the field of rotations. This study presents an improved representation of cracked slender beams, based on a general class of gradient elasticity with both stress and strain gradient, which allows smoothing the singularities in the flexibility crack model. Exact closed-form solutions are derived for the static response of slender gradient-elastic beams in flexure with multiple cracks, and the numerical examples demonstrate the effects of the nonlocal mechanical parameters (i.e. length scales of the gradient elasticity) in this context.     

Nonlocal integral elasticity in nanostructures,mixtures, boundary effects and limit behaviours

Nonlocal elasticity is addressed in terms of integral convolutions for structural models of any dimension, that is bars, beams, plates, shells and 3D continua. A characteristic feature of the treatment is the recourse to the theory of generalised functions (distributions) to provide a unified presentation of previous proposals. Local-nonlocal mixtures are also included in the analysis. Boundary effects of convolutions on bounded domains are investigated, and analytical evaluations are provided in the general case. Methods for compensation of boundary effects are compared and discussed with a comprehensive treatment. Estimates of limit behaviours for extreme values of the nonlocal parameter are shown to give helpful information on model properties, allowing for new comments on previous proposals. Strain-driven and stress-driven models are shown to emerge by swapping the mechanical role of input and output fields in the constitutive convolution, with stress-driven elastic model leading to well-posed problems. Computations of stress-driven nonlocal one-dimensional elastic models are performed to exemplify the theoretical results.     

A nonlocal strain gradient shell model incorporating surface effects for vibration analysis of functionally graded cylindrical nanoshells

In this paper, a novel size-dependent functionally graded(FG) cylindrical shell model is developed based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory in conjunction with the Gurtin-Murdoch surface elasticity theory. The new model containing a nonlocal parameter, a material length scale parameter, and several surface elastic constants can capture three typical types of size effects simultaneously, which are the nonlocal stress effect, the strain gradient effect, and the surface energy effects. With the help of Hamilton's principle and first-order shear deformation theory, the non-classical governing equations and related boundary conditions are derived. By using the proposed model, the free vibration problem of FG cylindrical nanoshells with material properties varying continuously through the thickness according to a power-law distribution is analytically solved, and the closed-form solutions for natural frequencies under various boundary conditions are obtained. After verifying the reliability of the proposed model and analytical method by comparing the degenerated results with those available in the literature, the influences of nonlocal parameter, material length scale parameter, power-law index, radius-to-thickness ratio, length-to-radius ratio, and surface effects on the vibration characteristic of functionally graded cylindrical nanoshells are examined in detail.     

One-dimensional nonlocal and gradient elasticity: Closed-form solution and size effect

The equivalence between nonlocal and gradient elasticity models is investigated by making reference to one-dimensional boundary value problems equipped with two integral stress–strain laws proposed by Eringen (Nonlocal Continuum Field Theories (2002)). Corresponding closed-form solutions are derived through a procedure for the reduction of integral to differential equations. The reproduction of size effects in micro/nano rods is discussed. The differential formulation associated with the local/nonlocal model is shown to correspond to the strain-gradient formulation proposed by Aifantis (Mech. Mater. 35 (2003) 259–280).     

Frequency equations of nonlocal elastic micro/nanobeams with the consideration of the surface effects

A nonlocal elastic micro/nanobeam is theoretically modeled with the consideration of the surface elasticity, the residual surface stress, and the rotatory inertia, in which the nonlocal and surface effects are considered. Three types of boundary conditions, i.e., hinged-hinged, clamped-clamped, and clamped-hinged ends, are examined. For a hinged-hinged beam, an exact and explicit natural frequency equation is derived based on the established mathematical model. The Fredholm integral equation is adopted to deduce the approximate fundamental frequency equations for the clamped-clamped and clamped-hinged beams. In sum, the explicit frequency equations for the micro/nanobeam under three types of boundary conditions are proposed to reveal the dependence of the natural frequency on the effects of the nonlocal elasticity, the surface elasticity, the residual surface stress, and the rotatory inertia, providing a more convenient means in comparison with numerical computations.     

TRANSVERSE VIBRATION OF A HANGING NONUNIFORM NANOSCALE TUBE BASED ON NONLOCAL ELASTICITY THEORY WITH SURFACE EFFECTS

The aim of this paper is to study the free transverse vibration of a hanging nonuni- form nanoscale tube. The analysis procedure is based on nonlocal elasticity theory with surface effects. The nonlocal elasticity theory states that the stress at a point is a function of strains at all points in the continuum. This theory becomes significant for small-length scale objects such as micro- and nanostructures. The effects of nonlocality, surface energy and axial force on the natural frequencies of the nanotube are investigated. In this study, analytical solutions are formulated for a clamped-free Euler-Bernoulli beam to study the free vibration of nanoscale tubes.     

基于非局部效应和表面效应的输流碳纳米管稳定性分析简

应用非局部黏弹性夹层梁模型分析双参数弹性介质中输送脉动流碳纳米管的稳定性. 新模型中同时考虑了由管道内、外壁上的薄表面层引起的表面弹性效应和表面残余应力，经典的欧拉梁模型因此通过引入非局部参数和表面参数得到了改进. 用平均法对其控制方程进行求解，得到了管道稳定性区域. 数值算例揭示了纳米材料的非局部效应、表面效应及两个弹性介质参数对管道固有频率、临界流速和动态稳定性的复杂影响，结论可为纳米流体机械的结构设计和振动分析提供理论基础.     

Elasticity solutions for plane anisotropic functionally graded beams

This paper considers the plane stress problem of generally anisotropic beams with elastic compliance parameters being arbitrary functions of the thickness coordinate. Firstly, the partial differential equation, which is satisfied by the Airy stress function for the plane problem of anisotropic functionally graded materials and involves the effect of body force, is derived. Secondly, a unified method is developed to obtain the stress function. The analytical expressions of axial force, bending moment, shear force and displacements are then deduced through integration. Thirdly, the stress function is employed to solve problems of anisotropic functionally graded plane beams, with the integral constants completely determined from boundary conditions. A series of elasticity solutions are thus obtained, including the solution for beams under tension and pure bending, the solution for cantilever beams subjected to shear force applied at the free end, the solution for cantilever beams or simply supported beams subjected to uniform load, the solution for fixed–fixed beams subjected to uniform load, and the one for beams subjected to body force, etc. These solutions can be easily degenerated into the elasticity solutions for homogeneous beams. Some of them are absolutely new to literature, and some coincide with the available solutions. It is also found that there are certain errors in several available solutions. A numerical example is finally presented to show the effect of material inhomogeneity on the elastic field in a functionally graded anisotropic cantilever beam.     

A new nonlocal bending model for Euler–Bernoulli nanobeams

This paper is concerned with the bending problem of nanobeams starting from a nonlocal thermodynamic approach. A new coupled nonlocal model, depending on two nonlocal parameters, is obtained by using a suitable definition of the free energy. Unlike previous approaches which directly substitute the expression of the nonlocal stress into the classical equilibrium equations, the proposed approach provides a methodology to recover nonlocal models starting from the free energy function. The coupled model can then be specialized to obtain a nanobeam formulation based on the Eringen nonlocal elasticity theory and on the gradient elastic model. The variational formulations are consistently provided and the differential equations with the related boundary conditions are thus derived. Nanocantilevers are solved in a closed-form and numerical results are presented to investigate the influence of the nonlocal parameters.     

On thermoelastostatics of composites with nonlocal properties of constituents II. Estimation of effective material and field parameters

One considers a linear thermoelastic composite medium, which consists of a homogeneous matrix containing a statistically homogeneous random set of ellipsoidal uncoated or coated heterogeneities. It is assumed that the stress–strain constitutive relations of constituents are described by the nonlocal integral operators, whereas the equilibrium and compatibility equations remain unaltered as in classical local elasticity. The general integral equations connecting the stress and strain fields in the point being considered and the surrounding points are obtained. The method is based on a centering procedure of subtraction from both sides of a known initial integral equation their statistical averages obtained without any auxiliary assumptions such as, e.g., effective field hypothesis implicitly exploited in the known centering methods. In a simplified case of using of the effective field hypothesis for analyzing composites with one sort of heterogeneities, one proves that the effective moduli explicitly depend on both the strain and stress concentrator factor for one heterogeneity inside the infinite matrix and does not directly depend on the elastic properties (local or nonlocal) of heterogeneities. In such a case, the Levin’s (1967) formula in micromechanics of composites with locally elastic constituents is generalized to their nonlocal counterpart. A solution of a volume integral equation for one heterogeneity subjected to inhomogeneous remote loading inside an infinite matrix is proposed by the iteration method. The operator representation of this solution is incorporated into the new general integral equation of micromechanics without exploiting of basic hypotheses of classical micromechanics such as both the effective field hypothesis and “ellipsoidal symmetry” assumption. Quantitative estimations of results obtained by the abandonment of the effective field hypothesis are presented.     

The scattering of harmonic elastic anti-plane shear waves by two collinear cracks in anisotropic material plane by using the non-local theory

In this paper, the dynamic behavior of two collinear cracks in the anisotropic elasticity material plane subjected to the harmonic anti-plane shear waves is investigated by use of the nonlocal theory. To overcome the mathematical difficulties, a one-dimensional nonlocal kernel is used instead of a two-dimensional one for the anti-plane dynamic problem to obtain the stress field near the crack tips. By use of the Fourier transform, the problem can be solved with the help of a pair of triple integral equations, in which the unknown variable is the displacement on the crack surfaces. To solve the triple integral equations, the displacement on the crack surfaces is expanded in a series of Jacobi polynomials. Unlike the classical elasticity solutions, it is found that no stress singularity is present near crack tips. The nonlocal elasticity solutions yield a finite hoop stress at the crack tips, thus allowing us to using the maximum stress as a fracture criterion. The magnitude of the finite stress field not only depends on the crack length but also on the frequency of the incident waves and the lattice parameter of the materials.     

Well-posedness of the fundamental boundary value problems for constrained anisotropic elastic materials

We consider the equations of linear homogeneous anisotropic elasticity admitting the possibility that the material is internally constrained, and formulate a simple necessary and sufficient condition for the fundamental boundary value problems to be well-posed. For materials fulfilling the condition, we establish continuous dependence of the displacement and stress on the elastic moduli and ellipticity of the elasticity system. As an application we determine the orthotropic materials for which the fundamental problems are well-posed in terms of their Young's moduli, shear moduli, and Poisson ratios. Finally, we derive a reformulation of the elasticity system that is valid for both constrained and unconstrained materials and involves only one scalar unknown in addition to the displacements. For a two-dimensional constrained material a further reduction to a single scalar equation is outlined.This paper is dedicated to Professor Joachim Nitsche on the occasion of his sixtieth birthday     

Surface effect on the biaxial buckling and free vibration of FGM nanoplate embedded in visco-Pasternak standard linear solid-type of foundation

In this study, nonlocal elasticity theory in conjunction with Gurtin–Murdoch elasticity theory is employed to investigate biaxial buckling and free vibration behavior of nanoplate made of functionally graded material (FGM) and resting on a visco-Pasternak standard linear solid-type of the foundation. The material characteristics of simply supported FGM nanoplates are assumed to be varied continuously as a power law function of the plate thickness. Hamilton’s principle is implemented to derive the non-classical governing equations of motion and related boundary conditions, which analytically solved to obtain the explicit closed-form expression for complex natural frequencies and buckling loads. Finally, attention is focused on considering the influences of various parameters on variation of damped natural frequency and buckling load ratio such as nonlocal parameter, surface effects, geometric parameters, power law index and properties of visco-Pasternak foundation and it is clearly demonstrated that these factors highly affect on vibration and buckling behavior.     

Nonlinear wave propagation analysis in Timoshenko nano-beams considering nonlocal and strain gradient effects

This article is aimed to investigate the geometrically nonlinear wave propagation of nano-beams on the basis of the most comprehensive size-dependent elasticity theory. To this end, the integral model of nonlocal elasticity theory in the most general form without any simplification in conjunction with the modified strain gradient theory is implemented in the analysis. Also, the Timoshenko beam model is utilized in the presented nonlocal strain gradient elasticity theory. By Hamilton’s principle, the governing integro-partial differential equations of motion are derived. Employing numerical integration and an efficient method called as periodic grid technique, a semi-analytical approach is presented for the solution procedure. To detect the impacts of nonlocality and small scale effects on the nonlinear wave propagation characteristics of beams at nanoscale, adequate numerical examples and comparison studies are presented.