Investigation of size-dependent quasistatic response of electrically actuated nonlinear viscoelastic microcantilevers and microbridges

This study investigates the size-dependent quasistatic response of a nonlinear viscoelastic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) under an electric actuation. To have this problem in view, the deformable electrode of the MEMS is modelled using cantilever and doubly-clamped viscoelastic microbeams. The modified couple stress theory in conjunction with Bernoulli–Euler beam theory are used for mathematical modeling of the size-dependent instability of microsystems in the framework of linear viscoelastic theory. Simultaneous effect of electrostatic actuation including fringing field, residual stress, mid-plane stretching and Casimir and van der Waals intermolecular forces are considered in the theoretical model. A single element of the standard linear solid element is used to simulate the viscoelastic behavior. Based on the extended Hamilton’s variational principle, the nonlinear governing integro-differential equation and boundary conditions are derived. Thereafter, a new generalized differential-integral quadrature solution for the nonlinear quasistatic response of electrically actuated viscoelastic micro/nanobeams under two different boundary conditions; doubly-clamped microbridge and clamped-free microcantilever. The developed model is verified and a good agreement is obtained. Finally, a comprehensive study is conducted to investigate the effects of various parameters such as material relaxation time, durable modulus, material length scale parameter, Casimir force, van der Waals force, initial gap and beam length on the pull-in response of viscoelastic microbridges and microcantilevers in the framework of viscoelasticity.     

Nonlocal Thermo-Electro-Mechanical coupling vibrations of axially moving piezoelectric nanobeams

This work is concerned with the thermo-electro-mechanical coupling transverse vibrations of axially moving piezoelectric nanobeams which reveal potential applications in self-powered components of biomedical nano-robot. The nonlocal theory and Euler piezoelectric beam model are employed to develop the governing partial differential equations of the mathematical model for axially moving piezoelectric nanobeams. The natural frequencies of nanobeams under simply supported and fully clamped boundary constraints are numerically determined based on the eigenvalue method. Subsequently, some detailed parametric studies are presented and it is shown that the nonlocal nanoscale effect and axial motion effect contribute to reduce the bending rigidity of axially moving piezoelectric nanobeam and hence its natural frequency decreases within the framework of nonlocal elasticity. Moreover, the natural frequency decreases with increasing the positive external voltage, axial compressive force and change of temperature, while increases with increasing the axial tensile force. The critical speed and critical axial compressive force are determined and the dynamical buckling behaviors of axially moving piezoelectric nanobeams are indicated. It is concluded the nonlocal nanoscale parameter plays a remarkable role in the size-dependent natural frequency, critical speed and critical axial compressive force.     

考虑尺度效应的微梁静态弯曲数值分析

基于修正偶应力理论及表面弹性理论,本文提出了一种新的双曲线剪切变形梁模型,用于均匀微尺度梁的静态弯曲分析。该理论可以直接利用本构关系获得横向剪切应力,满足梁顶部和底部的无应力边界条件,避免了引入剪切修正因子。根据广义Young-Laplace方程建立了梁的内部与表面层的应力连续性条件,单一的变量场可以描述梁的位移模式。通过在位移场中考虑表面层厚度以及表面层的应力连续条件,可以使新模型能够更准确地预测微尺寸和表面能相关的尺度效应。通过Hamilton原理推导出了梁的控制方程和边界条件。应变能除了考虑经典弹性理论,还要考虑微结构效应和表面能。Navier-type的解析解适用于简支边界条件,而基于拉格朗日插值的微分求积法(DQEM)可以研究在不同边界条件下的力学响应。把该数值解与Navier方法得出的解析解作了对比,得出:微尺度梁在考虑表面能或微尺寸效应、不同载荷和梁高变化下的响应一致;当不考虑微结构相关性和表面能效应时,该模型退化为经典的欧拉梁模型。     

Nonlinear resonance responses of geometrically imperfect shear deformable nanobeams including surface stress effects

In this work, a thorough investigation is presented into the nonlinear resonant dynamics of geometrically imperfect shear deformable nanobeams subjected to harmonic external excitation force in the transverse direction. To this end, the Gurtin–Murdoch surface elasticity theory together with Reddy’s third-order shear deformation beam theory is utilized to take into account the size-dependent behavior of nanobeams and the effects of transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia, respectively. The kinematic nonlinearity is considered using the von Kármán kinematic hypothesis. The geometric imperfection as a slight curvature is assumed as the mode shape associated with the first vibration mode. The weak form of geometrically nonlinear governing equations of motion is derived using the variational differential quadrature (VDQ) technique and Lagrange equations. Then, a multistep numerical scheme is employed to solve the obtained governing equations in order to study the nonlinear frequency–response and force–response curves of nanobeams. Comprehensive studies into the effects of initial imperfection and boundary condition as well as geometric parameters on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of imperfect shear deformable nanobeams are carried out through numerical results. Finally, the importance of incorporating the surface stress effects via the Gurtin–Murdoch elasticity theory, is emphasized by comparing the nonlinear dynamic responses of the nanobeams with different thicknesses.     

Exact dynamic solutions to piezoelectric smart beams including peel stresses I: Theory and application

This work presents exact dynamic solutions to piezoelectric (PZT) smart beams including peel stresses. The governing equations of partial differential forms are firstly derived for a PZT smart beam made of the identical adherends, and then general solutions of the governing equations are studied. The analytical solutions are applied to a cantilever beam with a partially bonded PZT patch to the fixed end. For the given boundary conditions, exact solutions of the steady state motions are obtained. Based on the exact solutions, frequency spectra, natural frequencies, normal mode shapes, harmonic responses of the shear and peel stresses are discussed for the PZT actuator. The details of the numerical results and sensing electric charges will be presented in Part II of this work. The exact dynamic solutions can be directly applied to a PZT bimorph bender. To compare with the classic shear lag model whose numerical demonstrations will be given in Part II, the related equations are also derived for the shear lag rod model and shear lag beam model.     

Surface and thermal effects on vibration of embedded alumina nanobeams based on novel Timoshenko beam model

This paper deals with the free vibration analysis of circular alumina （Al2O3） nanobeams in the presence of surface and thermal effects resting on a Pasternak foun- dation. The system of motion equations is derived using Hamilton＇s principle under the assumptions of the classical Timoshenko beam theory. The effects of the transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia are also considered within the framework of the mentioned theory. The separation of variables approach is employed to discretize the governing equa- tions which are then solved by an analytical method to obtain the natural frequencies of the alumina nanobeams. The results show that the surface effects lead to an increase in the natural frequency of nanobeams as compared with the classical Timoshenko beam model. In addition, for nanobeams with large diameters, the surface effects may increase the natural frequencies by increasing the thermal effects. Moreover, with regard to the Pasternak elastic foundation, the natural frequencies are increased slightly. The results of the present model are compared with the literature, showing that the present model can capture correctly the surface effects in thermal vibration of nanobeams.     

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.     

Analytical solutions for thermal vibration of nanobeams with elastic boundary conditions

A nonlocal Euler beam model with second-order gradient of stress taken into consideration is used to study the thermal vibration of nanobeams with elastic boundary.An analytical solution is proposed to investigate the free vibration of nonlocal Euler beams subjected to axial thermal stress.The effects of the nonlocal parameter,thermal stress and stiffness of boundary constraint on the vibration behaviors of nanobeams are revealed.The results show that natural frequencies including the thermal stress are lower than those without the thermal stress when temperature rises.The boundary-constrained springs have significant effects on the vibration of nanobeams.In addition,numerical simulations also indicate the importance of small-scale effect on the vibration of nanobeams.     

Bending and buckling of thin strain gradient elastic beams

Bending of strain gradient elastic thin beams is studied adopting Bernoulli-Euler principle. Simple linear strain gradient elastic theory with surface energy is employed. The governing beam equations with its boundary conditions are derived through a variational method. It turns out that new terms are introduced, indicating the importance of the cross-section area in bending of thin beams. Those terms are missing from the existing strain gradient beam theories. Those terms increase highly the stiffness of the thin beam. The buckling problem of the thin beams is also discussed.     

强电场和机械荷载联合作用下压电层合梁的非线性变形

本文研究简支,固支和悬臂压电层合梁在强电场和机械荷载联合作用下的非线性变形。考虑材料的电致伸缩和电致弹性压电效应以及几何非线性导出压电层合梁的数学模型。并求得在电场和均布力联合作用下各种边界条件梁的挠度和位移解析表达式。通过对双压电晶片梁和单压电晶片梁的数值计算及分析得到线性与非线性模型之间的差别和适用范围。     

Refined models of elastic beams undergoing large in-plane motions: Theory and experiment

Accurate mechanical models of elastic beams undergoing large in-plane motions are discussed theoretically and experimentally. Employing the geometrically exact theory of rods with appropriate kinematic assumptions and asymptotic arguments, two approximate models are obtained—a relaxed model and its constrained version—that describe extensional and bending motions and neglect shear deformations. These models are shown to be suitable to predict, via an asymptotic approach, closed-form nonlinear motions of beams with general boundary conditions and, in particular, with boundary conditions that longitudinally constrain the motions. On the other hand, for axially unrestrained or weakly restrained beams, an inextensible and unshearable model is presented that describes bending motions only. The perturbations about the reference configuration up to third order are consistently derived for all beam models. Closed-form solutions of the responses to primary-resonance excitations are obtained via an asymptotic treatment of the governing equations of motion for two different beam configurations; namely, hinged–hinged (axially restrained) and simply supported (axially unrestrained) beams. In particular, considering the present theory and the existing theories, variations of the frequency–response curves with the beam slenderness or the relative boundary mass are investigated for the lowest modes. The fidelity of the proposed nonlinear models is ascertained comparing the theoretically obtained frequency–response curves of the first mode with those experimentally obtained.     

Analysis of micro-sized beams for various boundary conditions based on the strain gradient elasticity theory

Bending analysis of micro-sized beams based on the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory is presented within the modified strain gradient elasticity and modified couple stress theories. The governing equations and the related boundary conditions are derived from the variational principles. These equations are solved analytically for deflection, bending, and rotation responses of micro-sized beams. Propped cantilever, both ends clamped, both ends simply supported, and cantilever cases are taken into consideration as boundary conditions. The influence of size effect and additional material parameters on the static response of micro-sized beams in bending is examined. The effect of Poisson’s ratio is also investigated in detail. It is concluded from the results that the bending values obtained by these higher-order elasticity theories have a significant difference with those calculated by the classical elasticity theory.     

Large deflection of curved elastic beams made of Ludwick type material

The large deflection of an axially extensible curved beam with a rectangular cross-section is investigated. The elastic beam is assumed to satisfy the Euler-Bernoulli postulation and be made of the Ludwick type material. Through reasonably simplified integration, the strain and curvature of the axis of the beam are presented in implicit formulations. The governing equations involving both geometric and material nonlinearities of the curved beam are derived and solved by the shooting method. When the initial curvature of the beam is zero, the curved beam is degenerated into a straight beam,and the predicted results obtained by the present model are consistent with those in the open literature. Numerical examples are further given for curved cantilever and simply supported beams, and the couplings between elongation and bending are found for the curved beams.     

自感知主被动阻尼悬臂梁动态特性分析

由Ｈａｍｉｌｔｏｎ原理导出了压电层作约束层作约束层的自感知主被动阻尼控制结构的振动控制方程;由自感知电压引入速度负反馈闭环控制,并由假设模态法将位移按模态展开,求解了悬臂梁结构的动态特征;对被动控制、自感知主动控制、自感知主被动控制的控制效果进行了分析比较;分析了粘弹层厚度变化、材料参数变化以及压电层厚度、位置等结构参数变化对控制效果及模态频率的影响;并对自感知主被动阻尼控制结构的特点和设计中应注     

Electro-mechanical coupling wave propagating in a locally resonant piezoelectric/elastic phononic crystal nanobeam with surface effects

The model of a "spring-mass" resonator periodically attached to a piezoelectric/elastic phononic crystal(PC) nanobeam with surface effects is proposed, and the corresponding calculation method of the band structures is formulized and displayed by introducing the Euler beam theory and the surface piezoelectricity theory to the plane wave expansion(PWE) method. In order to reveal the unique wave propagation characteristics of such a model, the band structures of locally resonant(LR) elastic PC Euler nanobeams with and without resonators, the band structures of LR piezoelectric PC Euler nanobeams with and without resonators, as well as the band structures of LR elastic/piezoelectric PC Euler nanobeams with resonators attached on PZT-4, with resonators attached on epoxy, and without resonators are compared. The results demonstrate that adding resonators indeed plays an active role in opening and widening band gaps. Moreover, the influence rules of different parameters on the band gaps of LR elastic/piezoelectric PC Euler nanobeams with resonators attached on epoxy are discussed, which will play an active role in the further realization of active control of wave propagations.     

On the truth of nanoscale for nanobeams based on nonlocal elastic stress field theory： equilibrium, governing equation and static deflection

This paper has successfully addressed three critical but overlooked issues in nonlocal elastic stress field theory for nanobeams： （i） why does the presence of increasing nonlocal effects induce reduced nanostructural stiffness in many, but not consistently for all, cases of study, i.e., increasing static deflection, decreasing natural frequency and decreasing buckling load, although physical intuition according to the nonlocal elasticity field theory first established by Eringen tells otherwise？ （ii） the intriguing conclusion that nanoscale effects are missing in the solutions in many exemplary cases of study, e.g., bending deflection of a cantilever nanobeam with a point load at its tip; and （iii） the non-existence of additional higher-order boundary conditions for a higher-order governing differential equation. Applying the nonlocal elasticity field theory in nanomechanics and an exact variational principal approach, we derive the new equilibrium conditions, do- main governing differential equation and boundary conditions for bending of nanobeams. These equations and conditions involve essential higher-order differential terms which are opposite in sign with respect to the previously studies in the statics and dynamics of nonlocal nano-structures. The difference in higher-order terms results in reverse trends of nanoscale effects with respect to the conclusion of this paper. Effectively, this paper reports new equilibrium conditions, governing differential equation and boundary condi- tions and the true basic static responses for bending of nanobeams. It is also concluded that the widely accepted equilibrium conditions of nonlocal nanostructures are in fact not in equilibrium, but they can be made perfect should the nonlocal bending moment be replaced by an effective nonlocal bending moment. These conclusions are substantiated, in a general sense, by other approaches in nanostructural models such as strain gradient theory, modified couple stress models and experiments.     

Topology optimization of piezoelectric nanostructures

We present an extended finite element formulation for piezoelectric nanobeams and nanoplates that is coupled with topology optimization to study the energy harvesting potential of piezoelectric nanostructures. The finite element model for the nanoplates is based on the Kirchoff plate model, with a linear through the thickness distribution of electric potential. Based on the topology optimization, the largest enhancements in energy harvesting are found for closed circuit boundary conditions, though significant gains are also found for open circuit boundary conditions. Most interestingly, our results demonstrate the competition between surface elasticity, which reduces the energy conversion efficiency, and surface piezoelectricity, which enhances the energy conversion efficiency, in governing the energy harvesting potential of piezoelectric nanostructures.     

Effects of thermo-magneto-electro nonlinearity characteristics on the stability of functionally graded piezoelectric beam

Due to the increasing interests in using functionally graded piezoelectric materials(FGPMs) in the design of advanced micro-electro-mechanical systems, it is important to understand the stability behaviors of the FGPM beams. In this study, considering the effects of geometrical nonlinearity, temperature, and electricity in the constitutive relations and the effect of the magnetic field on the FGPM beam, the Euler-Bernoulli beam model is adopted, and the nonlinear governing equation of motion is derived via Hamilton's principle. A perturbation method, which can decompose the deflection into static and dynamic components, is utilized to linearize the nonlinear governing equation. Then,a dynamic stability analysis is carried out, and the approximate analytical solutions for the nonlinear frequency and boundary frequencies of the unstable region are obtained.Numerical examples are performed to verify the present analysis. The effects of the static deflection, the static load factor, the temperature change, and the magnetic field flux on the stability behaviors of the FGPM beam are discussed. From the proposed analytical solutions and numerical results, one can easily and clearly find the effects of various controlled parameters, such as geometric and physical properties of the system, on the mechanical behaviors of structures, and the conclusions are very important and useful for the design of micro-devices.     

Deep postbuckling and nonlinear bending behaviors of nanobeams with nonlocal and strain gradient effects

In this paper, multi-scale modeling for nanobeams with large deflection is conducted in the framework of the nonlocal strain gradient theory and the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory with exact bending curvature. The proposed size-dependent nonlinear beam model incorporates structure-foundation interaction along with two small scale parameters which describe the stiffness-softening and stiffness-hardening size effects of nanomaterials, respectively. By applying Hamilton's principle, the motion equation and the associated boundary condition are derived. A two-step perturbation method is introduced to handle the deep postbuckling and nonlinear bending problems of nanobeams analytically. Afterwards, the influence of geometrical, material, and elastic foundation parameters on the nonlinear mechanical behaviors of nanobeams is discussed. Numerical results show that the stability and precision of the perturbation solutions can be guaranteed, and the two types of size effects become increasingly important as the slenderness ratio increases. Moreover, the in-plane conditions and the high-order nonlinear terms appearing in the bending curvature expression play an important role in the nonlinear behaviors of nanobeams as the maximum deflection increases.     

Analytical solutions for plane problem of functionally graded magnetoelectric cantilever beam

In this paper, an exact analytical solution is presented for a transversely isotropic functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic (FGMEE) cantilever beam, which is subjected to a uniform load on its upper surface, as well as the concentrated force and moment at the free end. This solution can be applied for any form of gradient distribution. For the basic equations of plane problem, all the partial differential equations governing the stress field, electric, and magnetic potentials are derived. Then, the expressions of Airy stress, electric, and magnetic potential functions are assumed as quadratic polynomials of the longitudinal coordinate. Based on all the boundary conditions, the exact expressions of the three functions can be determined. As numerical examples, the material parameters are set as exponential and linear distributions in the thickness direction. The effects of the material parameters on the mechanical, electric, and magnetic fields of the cantilever beam are analyzed in detail.