ANALYSIS OF AUXETIC BEAMS AS RESONANT FREQUENCY BIOSENSORS

Abstract

The mechanics of beam vibration is of fundamental importance in understanding the shift of resonant frequency of microcantilever and nanocantilever sensors. Unlike the simpler Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, the Timoshenko beam theory takes into consideration rotational inertia and shear deformation. For the case of microcantilevers and nanocantilevers, the minute size, and hence low mass, means that the topmost deviation from the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory to be expected is shear deformation. This paper considers the extent of shear deformation for varying Poisson's ratio of the beam material, with special emphasis on solids with negative Poisson's ratio, which are also known as auxetic materials. Here, it is shown that the Timoshenko beam theory approaches the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory if the beams are of solid cross-sections and the beam material possess high auxeticity. However, the Timoshenko beam theory is significantly different from the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory for beams in the form of thin-walled tubes regardless of the beam material's Poisson's ratio. It is herein proposed that calculations on beam vibration can be greatly simplified for highly auxetic beams with solid cross-sections due to the small shear correction term in the Timoshenko beam deflection equation.