Wave propagation analysis of inhomogeneous Multi–Nanoplate systems subjected to a thermal field considering surface and flexoelectricity effects

Abstract

This paper deals with wave propagation analysis of a viscoelastic exponentially graded multi-nanoplate system (EGMNPS) embedded in visco-Pasternak foundations based on Eringen’s nonlocal theory (ENT) and Kirchhoff plate theory. It is supposed that the EGMNPS is subjected to an external electric field and thermal environment, and the effects of flexoelectricity are also taken into account. Each nano-plate is assumed to be made of viscoelastic and exponentially graded materials (EGM) whose properties vary through the thickness according to an exponential function. A homogenous system of m differential equations of wave motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle and by incorporating surface effects including surface elasticity, surface residual stresses, and surface mass density. The nonlocal governing equations of motion are analytically solved to obtain undamped natural frequencies and damping ratio. A parametric study is carried out to demonstrate the effects of nonlocal parameters, wave number, thermal field, flexoelectricity, surface properties, foundation parameters, and non-homogeneity constant on the thermo-electro-mechanical vibration and wave propagation characteristics of the EGMNPS.