Finite element buckling analysis of multi-layered graphene sheets on elastic substrate based on nonlocal elasticity theory

Graphene-polymer nano-composites are one of the most applicable engineering nanostructures with superior mechanical properties. In the present study, a finite element (FE) approach based on the size dependent nonlocal elasticity theory is developed for buckling analysis of nano-scaled multi-layered graphene sheets (MLGSs) embedded in polymer matrix. The van der Waals (vdW) interactions between the graphene layers and graphene-polymer are simulated as a set of linear springs using the Lennard-Jones potential model. The governing stability equations for nonlocal classical orthotropic plates together with the weighted residual formulation are employed to explicitly obtain stiffness and buckling matrices for a multi-layered super element of MLGS. The accuracy of the current finite element analysis (FEA) is approved through a comparison with molecular dynamics (MD) and analytical solutions available in the literature. Effects of nonlocal parameter, dimensions, vdW interactions, elastic foundation, mode numbers and boundary conditions on critical in-plane loads are investigated for different types of MLGS. It is found that buckling loads of MLGS are generally of two types namely In-Phase (INPH) and Out-of-Phase (OPH) loads. The INPH loads are independent of interlayer vdW interactions while the OPH loads depend on vdW interactions. It is seen that the decreasing effect of nonlocal parameter on the OPH buckling loads dwindles as the interlayer vdW interactions become stronger. Also, it is found that the small scale and polymer substrate have noticeable effects on the buckling loads of embedded MLGS.     

Small scale effect on vibrational response of single-walled carbon nanotubes with different boundary conditions based on nonlocal beam models

The free vibration response of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is investigated in this work using various nonlocal beam theories. To this end, the nonlocal elasticity equations of Eringen are incorporated into the various classical beam theories namely as Euler-Bernoulli beam theory (EBT), Timoshenko beam theory (TBT), and Reddy beam theory (RBT) to consider the size-effects on the vibration analysis of SWCNTs. The generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method is employed to discretize the governing differential equations of each nonlocal beam theory corresponding to four commonly used boundary conditions. Then molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is implemented to obtain fundamental frequencies of nanotubes with different chiralities and values of aspect ratio to compare them with the results obtained by the nonlocal beam models. Through the fitting of the two series of numerical results, appropriate values of nonlocal parameter are derived relevant to each type of chirality, nonlocal beam model, and boundary conditions. It is found that in contrast to the chirality, the type of nonlocal beam model and boundary conditions make difference between the calibrated values of nonlocal parameter corresponding to each one.     

Periodic solution for nonlinear vibration of a fluid-conveying carbon nanotube,based on the nonlocal continuum theory by energy balance method

A nonlinear model is developed for the vibration of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) based on Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory. The nanotube is assumed to be embedded in a Pasternak-type foundation with simply supported boundary conditions. The nonlinear equation of motion is solved by the energy balance method (EBM) to obtain a sufficiently accurate flow-induced frequency. It is demonstrated that the nonlinearity of the model makes a reasonable change to the frequency at high flow velocity and for the large deformations. Furthermore, the deviation of the frequency from the linear frequency will be exaggerated with an increase in the nonlocal parameter and a decrease of the Pasternak parameters. Ultimately, the results show that the nonlinearity of the model can be effectively tuned by applying axial tension to the nanotube.     

Comparison of light transport models based on finite element and the discrete ordinates methods in view of optical tomography applications

Numerical tests are used to evaluate the accuracy of two finite element formulations associated with the discrete ordinates method for solving the radiative transfer equation: the Least Square and the Discontinuous Galerkin finite element formulations. The results show that the use of a penalization method to set the Dirichlet boundary conditions leads to a more accurate solution than the weakly type setting where the Least Square method is seen to be more sensitive. Convergence in mesh size shows that, while both methods give accurate results, the Discontinuous Galerkin formulation uses five times more degrees of freedom than the Least Square formulation, which may lead to large systems to handle when the number of mesh elements is large. The comparison of both methods using the S_n and the T_n angular quadratures has shown that the Discontinuous Galerkin gives more accurate solutions, as expected, for problems with strong discontinuities, but may exhibit some oscillations due to the Galerkin procedure. A last test featuring a collimated irradiation shows that both methods give the same accuracy due to the separation of the radiative intensity into transmitted and scattered components, which removes the discontinuities in the implementation of the boundary conditions.     

Nonlinear vibration analysis of double-walled carbon nanotubes based on nonlocal elasticity theory

The nonlinear free vibration of double-walled carbon nanotubes based on the nonlocal elasticity theory is studied in this paper. The nonlinear equations of motion of the double-walled carbon nanotubes are derived by using Euler beam theory and Hamilton principle, with considering the von Kármán type geometric nonlinearity and the nonlinear van der Waals forces. The surrounding elastic medium is formulated as the Winkler model. The harmonic balance method and Davidon–Fletcher–Powell method are utilized for the analysis and simulation of the nonlinear vibration. The simulation results show that the nonlocal parameter, aspect ratio and surrounding elastic medium play more important roles in the nonlinear noncoaxial vibration than those in the coaxial vibration of the double-walled carbon nanotubes. The noncoaxial vibration amplitudes of only considering nonlinear van der Waals forces are larger than those of considering both geometric nonlinearity and nonlinear van der Waals forces.     

Prediction of biaxial buckling behavior of single-layered graphene sheets based on nonlocal plate models and molecular dynamics simulations

The biaxial buckling behavior of single-layered graphene sheets (SLGSs) is studied in the present work. To consider the size-effects in the analysis, Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity equations are incorporated into the different types of plate theory namely as classical plate theory (CLPT), first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), and higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT). An exact solution is conducted to obtain the critical biaxial buckling loads of simply-supported square and rectangular SLGSs with various values of side-length and nonlocal parameter corresponding to each type of nonlocal plate model. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed for a series of armchair and zigzag SLGSs with different side-lengths, the results of which are matched with those obtained by the nonlocal plate models to extract the appropriate values of nonlocal parameter relevant to each type of nonlocal elastic plate model and chirality. It is found that the present nonlocal plate models with their proposed proper values of nonlocal parameter have an excellent capability to predict the biaxial buckling response of SLGSs.     

Fundamental frequency of isotropic and orthotropic rectangular plates with linearly varying thickness by discrete singular convolution method

The subject of this article is solving free vibration problems of isotropic and orthotropic rectangular plates with linearly varying thickness along one direction. For the numerical solution to evaluate the frequencies of plates, the method of discrete singular convolution (DSC) is adopted. Frequency parameters are obtained for different types of boundary conditions, taper and aspect ratios. The effect of the mode number is also analyzed. The results obtained by the present numerical method show an excellent agreement with available published results.     

A unifying formulation of the discrete and continuum approximations for embedded discontinuities

A methodology for the numerical implementation of embedded discontinuities into the finite element method is developed. This is applicable for the discrete and continuum approximations of discontinuities. The variational formulation of the problem of a solid with discontinuities is established for both approximations, yielding the equations used in this methodology. Three sets of equations are obtained by applying this methodology; all are suitable to be numerically implemented. To show the application potential of this method, the numerical simulation of the formation and propagation of a discontinuity in a concrete specimen is carried out and the results are compared with those from the physical experiment, demonstrating the adequacy of the methodology and its corresponding implementations to model discontinuities. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2006     

Thermal-mechanical vibration and instability of a fluid-conveying single-walled carbon nanotube embedded in an elastic medium based on nonlocal elasticity theory

Based on the theories of thermal elasticity mechanics and nonlocal elasticity, an elastic Bernoulli-Euler beam model is developed for thermal-mechanical vibration and buckling instability of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) conveying fluid and resting on an elastic medium. The finite element method is adopted to obtain the numerical solutions to the model. The effects of temperature change, nonlocal parameter and elastic medium constant on the vibration frequency and buckling instability of SWCNT conveying fluid are investigated. It can be concluded that at low or room temperature, the fundamental natural frequency and critical flow velocity for the SWCNT increase as the temperature change increases, on the other hand, while at high temperature the fundamental natural frequency and critical flow velocity decrease as the temperature change increases. The fundamental natural frequency for the SWCNT decreases as the nonlocal parameter increases, both the fundamental natural frequency and critical flow velocity increase as elastic medium constant increases.     

Mathematical models in nanooptics and biophotonics based on the discrete sources method

The state of the art of the discrete sources method is reviewed. The method can be used to construct effective numerical models for problems in nanooptics and biophotonics.     

Optimization of finite element bidimensional models: an approach based on genetic algorithms

This paper deals with the optimization of 2D finite element shapes using the very promising methods based on genetic algorithms. The codification of the design variables is carried out by generating series of strings in binary code. Classical genetic operators such as crossover, mutation and reproduction are used for the optimization process. A more refined operators needed to improve the performance of the process are used as well. Some illustrative examples are presented and discussed     

Structural elastic and creep models of a UD composite in longitudinal shear

The transient creep of a UD composite with a quadratic arrangement of elastic fibers of quadratic cross section is investigated. The deformational properties of the composite are determined from the known properties of its constituents. A structural model of the UD composite is developed, whose minimal elementary cell contains four elements. The stress-strain state of the elements is assumed homogeneous. Two types of basic and resolving governing equations of transient creep are deduced, which are based on static or kinematic assumptions. In each of the cases, a formula for the longitudinal elastic shear modulus of the composite is found. The stationary solutions of creep equations allow one to obtain formulas of the steady-state creep of the composite in a form similar to Norton’s law. Numerical calculations are also performed, and a comparison of the results with data given in the literature bears witness to the efficiency of the models developed and the solutions obtained. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 4, pp. 437–448, July–August, 2007.     

Free vibration and buckling analysis of plates using B-spline wavelet on the interval Mindlin element

A finite element method (FEM) of B-spline wavelet on the interval (BSWI) is used in this paper to solve the free vibration and buckling problems of plates based on Reissner–Mindlin theory. By aid of the high accuracy of B-spline functions approximation for structural analysis, the proposed method could obtain a fast convergence and a satisfying numerical accuracy with fewer degrees of freedoms (DOF). The numerical examples demonstrate that the present BSWI method achieves the high accuracy compared to the exact solution and others existing approaches in the literatures. The BSWI finite element has potential to be used as a numerical method in analysis and design.     

Nonlinear vibration and instability of embedded double-walled boron nitride nanotubes based on nonlocal cylindrical shell theory

This paper investigates the nonlinear vibration and instability of the embedded double-walled boron nitride nanotubes (DWBNNTs) conveying viscous fluid based on nonlocal piezoelasticity cylindrical shell theory. The elastic medium is simulated as Winkler–Pasternak foundation, and adjacent layers interactions are assumed to have been coupled by van der Walls (vdW) force evaluated based on the Lennard–Jones model. The nonlinear strain terms based on Donnell’s theory are taken into account. The Hamilton’s principle is employed to obtain coupled differential equations, containing displacement and electric potential terms. Differential quadrature method (DQM) is applied to estimate the nonlinear frequency and critical fluid velocity for clamped supported mechanical and free electric potential boundary conditions at both ends of the DWBNNTs. Results indicated that some parameters including nonlocal parameter, elastic medium’s modulus, aspect ratio and vdW force have significant influence on the vibration and instability of the DWBNNT while the fluid viscosity effect is negligible. In addition, the low aspect ratio should be taken into account for DWBNNT in optimum design of nano/micro devices.     

C0 FE model based on HOZT for the analysis of laminated soft core skew sandwich plates: Bending and vibration

Bending and free vibration behaviour of laminated soft core skew sandwich plate with stiff laminate face sheets is investigated using a recently developed C₀ finite element (FE) model based on higher order zigzag theory (HOZT) in this paper. The in-plane displacement fields are assumed as a combination of a linear zigzag function with different slopes at each layer and a cubically varying function over the entire thickness. The out of plane displacement is considered to be quadratic within the core and constant in the face sheets. The plate theory ensures a shear stress-free condition at the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. Thus, the plate theory has all of the features required for accurate modelling of laminated skew sandwich plates. As very few element model based on this plate theory (HOZT) exist and they possess certain disadvantages, an attempt has been made to check the applicability of the refined element model. The nodal field variables are chosen in such a manner that there is no need to impose any penalty stiffness in the formulation. Refined C₀ finite element model has been utilized to study some interesting problems on static and free vibration analysis of laminated skew sandwich plates.     

Spreading and generalized propagating speeds of discrete KPP models in time varying environments

The current paper deals with spatial spreading and front propagating dynamics for spatially discrete KPP (Kolmogorov, Petrovsky and Paskunov) models in time recurrent environments, which include time periodic and almost periodic environments as special cases. The notions of spreading speed interval, generalized propagating speed interval, and traveling wave solutions are first introduced, which are proper modifications of those introduced for spatially continuous KPP models in time almost periodic environments. Among others, it is then shown that the spreading speed interval in a given direction is the minimal generalized propagating speed interval in that direction. Some important upper and lower bounds for the spreading and generalized propagating speed intervals are provided. When the environment is unique ergodic and the so called linear determinacy condition is satisfied, it is shown that the spreading speed interval in any direction is a singleton (called the spreading speed), which equals the classical spreading speed if the environment is actually periodic. Moreover, in such a case, a variational principle for the spreading speed is established and it is shown that there is a front of speed c in a given direction if and only if c is greater than or equal to the spreading speed in that direction.      

FEM modelling of the time-harmonic dynamical stress field problem for a pre-stressed plate-strip resting on a rigid foundation

In this paper, the FEM modelling of the time-harmonic dynamical stress field problem for the pre-stressed plate-strip with finite length resting on a rigid foundation is developed. The mathematical formulation of the considered problem is made by the use of the equations and relations of the Three-dimensional Linearized Theory of Elastic Waves in Initially Stressed Bodies. The proposed modelling is tested on the concrete problems as an example. The numerical results testing the validity of the developed FEM modelling are presented. Moreover, the numerical results attained for the various values of the problem parameters are also presented.     

New algorithms for discrete vector optimization based on the Graef-Younes method and cone-monotone sorting functions

Abstract

The well-known Jahn-Graef-Younes algorithm, proposed by Jahn in 2006, generates all minimal elements of a finite set with respect to an ordering cone. It consists of two Graef-Younes procedures, namely the forward iteration, which eliminates a part of the non-minimal elements, followed by the backward iteration, which is applied to the reduced set generated by the previous iteration. Without using the backward iteration, we develop new algorithms that also compute all minimal elements of the initial set, by combining the forward iteration with certain sorting procedures based on cone-monotone functions. In particular, when the ordering cone is polyhedral, computational results obtained in MATLAB allow us to compare our algorithms with the Jahn-Graef-Younes algorithm, within a bi-objective optimization problem.     

Effect of discretization on dynamical behavior of SEIR and SIR models with nonlinear incidence

In this paper, using the forward Euler and backward Euler methods, we present four discrete epidemic models with the nonlinear incidence rate. We discuss the effect of two discretizations on the stability of the endemic equilibrium for these models. Numerical simulations are performed to illustrate our analytic results.