Damage identification in scale sensitive beam-like nano-joints in the framework of space-fractional Euler–Bernoulli theory

Abstract

In the paper, a fundamental question about damage identification in scale-sensitive bodies is posed. For this purpose, nano-scale beam-like joints are analyzed using dedicated computational schemes. The theoretical description is led in the framework of non-local space-fractional Euler–Bernoulli (s-FEBB) theory — a special case of space-Fractional Continuum Mechanical model generalizing classical continuum mechanics utilizing fractional calculus. The problem of damage identification is stated as an optimization task where the original numerical strategy is implemented. What is crucial, the s-FEBB model assumes constitutive parameters identified and validated for the silver nanobeam in previous studies. Based on tens of thousands of analyses, we arrive at the general conclusion that localization of fracture/damage/deterioration in material bodies whose dimensions are of the order of intrinsic microstructure is possible but requires advanced modeling — otherwise, damage can be identified in a wrong place or more places, or local damage can become distributed one and/or with wrong intensity.