A nonlocal quasi-3D theory for bending and free flexural vibration behaviors of functionally graded nanobeams

Abstract

In this paper, size dependent bending and free flexural vibration behaviors of functionally graded (FG) nanobeams are investigated using a nonlocal quasi-3D theory in which both shear deformation and thickness stretching effects are introduced. The nonlocal elastic behavior is described by the differential constitutive model of Eringen, which enables the present model to become effective in the analysis and design of nanostructures. The present theory incorporates the length scale parameter (nonlocal parameter) which can capture the small scale effect, and furthermore accounts for both shear deformation and thickness stretching effects by virtue of a hyperbolic variation of all displacements through the thickness without using shear correction factor. The material properties of FG nanobeams are assumed to vary through the thickness according to a power law. The neutral surface position for such FG nanobeams is determined and the present theory based on exact neutral surface position is employed here. The governing equations are derived using the principal of minimum total potential energy. The effects of nonlocal parameter, aspect ratio and various material compositions on the static and dynamic responses of the FG nanobeam are discussed in detail. A detailed numerical study is carried out to examine the effect of material gradient index, the nonlocal parameter, the beam aspect ratio on the global response of the FG nanobeam. These findings are important in mechanical design considerations of devices that use carbon nanotubes.