Strain Gradient Elasticity Theory Research Articles

A size‐dependent model of strain gradient elastic laminated micro‐beams with a weak adhesive layer

AbstractA size‐dependent model for a laminated micro‐beam with a soft adhesive is developed in the framework of strain gradient elasticity theory. The layered beam is constituted by two Euler–Bernoulli strain gradient elastic isotropic beams, joined through a strain gradient spring‐type contact law at the adhesive level. The governing bending and extensional equations and boundary conditions are obtained by using the variational principle. The differential system shows a coupling between the flexural and axial behaviors of the upper and lower beams, due to the presence of interface terms related to shear and peeling stresses. Two benchmark problems have been presented through their closed‐form solutions, namely a simply‐supported laminated beam subjected to a uniform distributed load and a mode 2‐type loading configuration of a layered axially deformable beam. Size effects and non‐local phenomena, due to high strain concentrations, are highlighted. Though simple in their features, the examples prove the efficiency of the proposed approach in designing micro‐scale layered beams.

3D coupled vibrations of asymmetric nano-particle mass sensors: Two-phase integral nonlocal strain gradient model and MD simulation

Since it is possible for the nano-particle to have any asymmetric shape and may attach to every position of the resonator-based mass sensors, any type of mass eccentricity and subsequently coupled vibrations are possible. So, in the present work, the 3D coupled axial-torsional-flexural vibrations of the mass nano-sensors are investigated considering both in-plane and out-of-plane bending as well as axial and torsional vibrations. In addition, the integral form of the two-phase local/nonlocal strain gradient (LNSG), as the consistent type of the common nonlocal strain gradient (NSG) elasticity theory, is employed for the first time to consider the size effects in the mass nano-sensors. A quasi-3D coupled FE model is constructed with no shear-locking within the complicated environment of the integral LNSG. The impacts of the LNSG elasticity and diverse types of possible coupling in changing the vibrational behavior of the mass nano-sensor are scrutinized and their crucial role in modeling of the nano-sensors is indicated. Furthermore, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are implemented to identify and analyze the coupled vibrations of a mass nano-sensor consisting of a fixed-free carbon nanotube. Comparison between the MD results with those of the present coupled FE model reveals that considering the coupling effects reduces the modeling error, especially in the cases in which the coupling influences intensify. The present work can help to provide more accurate models of mechanical resonance-based nanosensors to detect nanoparticles with different shapes, larger sizes, and high mass ratios, which can lead to achieving sensors with higher sensitivity.

Axisymmetric Hertzian contact problem accounting for surface tension and strain gradient elasticity

In this paper, we investigate the axisymmetric Hertzian contact problem at micro-/nanoscale. The deformation of material bulk is described by a simplified theory of strain gradient elasticity, and the influence of surface tension is integrated based on the surface elasticity theory. Using the Mindlin's potential function method and double Fourier integral transform, the normal surface displacement induced by a concentrated force is derived in a closed form. Following this, the contact between a rigid sphere and an elastic half-space is formulated in terms of singular integral equation, which is numerically solved by applying the Gauss-Chebyshev method. The results indicate that the distribution of contact pressure is distinctly different from that in classical elasticity theory. The indented substrate tends to perform stiffer due to the effects of surface tension and strain gradient elasticity. When the contact radius is comparable with the material length parameter, the indentation force (depth) can be ten (three) times of that given by classical Hertz theory.

Mixed finite element implementation of plane crack problems within strain gradient elasticity

AbstractAn approach is proposed and applied to solve boundary value problems within the strain gradient elasticity theory. A mixed variation formulation of the finite element method is used, where stresses, strains, and displacements are considered as independent variables. This significantly simplifies the pre‐requirement for approximating functions and allows one to use the simplest triangular finite elements with a linear approximation of displacements. Global unknowns in a discrete problem are nodal displacements, while the strains and stresses in nodes are treated as local unknowns. This discrete problem is solved by a modified iteration procedure, where the global stiffness matrix for classical elasticity problems is treated as a preconditioning matrix with fictitious elastic moduli. The modeling plane crack problem (tension of a square plate with a central crack) is solved. The obtained solution agrees with the results available in the literature. Good convergence is achieved by refining the mesh for all scale parameters.

The influence of material gradation parallel to two unequal mode-III cracks in functionally graded materials via strain gradient elasticity theory

In this article, the strain gradient elasticity (SGE) theory is used to investigate the mechanical behaviour of a functionally graded material (FGM) weakened by two unequal collinear mode-III cracks. The SGE theory uses two material characteristic lengths, ℓ and ℓ′, to account for volumetric and surface strain-gradient factors, respectively. The directions of both cracks coincide with the material gradation, which is oriented parallel to the x-axis. The numerical outcomes of the problem are obtained by constructing the system of equations using the hyper-singular integral-differential equation technique. The influence of the material gradation parameter on various fracture parameters, including the stress intensity factor (SIF), strain and crack surface displacement (CSD), is numerically shown. In addition, different loads are considered while analysing CSD profiles in connection to the gradation parameter β. Furthermore, the effect of inter-crack distance on CSD profiles is comprehensively explored, showing information between crack geometry and material gradation.

Thermomechanical Vibration Response of Solid and Foam FGM Nano Actuator/Sensor Plates

Abstract Purpose In this study, the effect of foam structure on the thermomechanical behaviour of high void ratio porous FGM piezoelectric smart nanoplates is investigated. Method The material of the smart nanoplate consists of PZT-4 on the bottom surface and BaTiO3 on the top surface and is formed by functional grading of these two materials along the thickness of the plate. Four different foam distribution models are modelled to examine the foam structure of the highly porous smart nanoplate, which has become widespread in biosensor applications. For this reason, uniform, symmetrical, top symmetrical and bottom symmetrical foam distribution models are created up to 75% void ratio. To determine the nano size, equations of motion are obtained by using nonlocal strain gradient elasticity and sinusoidal shear deformation theories together, and these equations are solved by the Navier method according to general boundary conditions. Result and Conclusions As a result of the analysis, it is observed that the applied external electric potential creates a softening effect on the plates with the piezoelectric elasticity effect and therefore reduces the thermal buckling temperatures. It is observed that the presence of the foam structure significantly improves the thermal resistance of the material and increases the buckling temperatures. It is also observed that the foam distribution model has significant effects on the thermomechanical behaviour.

3D wave dispersion analysis of graphene platelet-reinforced ultra-stiff double functionally graded nanocomposite sandwich plates with metamaterial honeycomb core layer

This research addresses the three-dimensional thermomechanical wave propagation behavior in sandwich composite nanoplates with a metamaterial honeycomb core layer and double functionally graded (FG) ultra-stiff surface layers. Due to its potential for high-temperature applications, pure nickel (Ni) is preferred for the honeycomb core layer, and an Al2O3/Ni ceramic-metal matrix is preferred for the surface layers. The functional distribution of graphene platelets (GPLs) in three different patterns, Type-U, Type-X, and Type-O, in the metal-ceramic matrix with a power law distribution provides double-FG properties to the surface layers. The mechanical and thermal material characteristics of the core and surface layers, as well as the reinforcing GPLs, are temperature-dependent. The pattern of temperature variation over the plate thickness is considered to be nonlinear. The sandwich nanoplate’s motion equations are obtained by combining the sinusoidal higher-order shear deformation theory (SHSDT) with nonlocal integral elasticity and strain gradient elasticity theories. The wave equations are established by using Hamilton’s principle. Parametric simulations and graphical representations are performed to analyze the effects of honeycomb size variables, wave number, the power law index, the GPL distribution pattern, the GPL weight ratio, and the temperature rise on three-dimensional wave propagation in an ultra-stiff sandwich plate. The results of the analysis reveal that the 3D wave propagation of the sandwich nanoplate can be significantly modified or tuned depending on the desired parameters and conditions. Thus, the proposed sandwich structure is expected to provide essential contributions to radar/sonar stealth applications in air, space, and submarine vehicles in high or low-temperature environments, protection of microelectromechanical devices from high noise and vibration, soft robotics applications, and wearable health and protective equipment applications.

Three-dimensional thermomechanical wave propagation analysis of sandwich nanoplate with graphene-reinforced foam core and magneto-electro-elastic face layers using nonlocal strain gradient elasticity theory

This article investigates the propagation of bending, longitudinal, and shear waves in a smart sandwich nanoplate with a graphene platelet (GPL)-reinforced foam core and magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) surface layers using sinusoidal higher-order shear deformation theory (SHSDT). The suggested nanoplate is comprised of a Ti–6Al–4V foam core placed between MEE surface layers. The MEE surface layers are composed of a volumetric combination of cobalt-ferrite (CoFe2O4) and barium-titanate (BaTiO3). The foam core and MEE face layers’ material characteristics are temperature dependent. In this study, three different core types are considered: metallic solid core (Type-I), GPL-reinforced solid core (Type-II) and GPL-reinforced foam core (Type-III), as well as three different foam distributions: symmetrical foam I (S-Foam I), symmetrical foam II (S-Foam II) and uniform foam (U-Foam). To derive the nanoplate's equations of motion and determine the system response, Hamilton's principle and Navier's method are employed. The effects of various parameters such as the wave number, nonlocal parameter, foam void coefficient and distribution pattern, GPL volume fraction, and thermal, electric, and magnetic charges, on the phase velocity and wave frequency are investigated via analytical calculations. The findings of the research indicate that the 3-D wave propagation characteristics of the sandwich nanoplate can be considerably modified or tuned with respect to external loads and material parameters. Thus, the proposed sandwich structure is expected to provide important contributions to radar stealth applications, protection of nanoelectromechanical devices from high frequency and temperature environments, advancement of smart nanoelectromechanical sensors characterized by lightweight and temperature sensitivity and wearable health equipment applications.

Postbuckling of functionally graded microbeams: a theoretical study based on a reformulated strain gradient elasticity theory

Postbuckling of functionally graded microbeams: a theoretical study based on a reformulated strain gradient elasticity theory

Modeling of size dependent buckling behavior of piezoelectric sandwich perforated nanobeams rested on elastic foundation with flexoelectricity

This article presents a size dependent mathematical model and an analytical solution methodology to accurately simulate and analyze the size dependent buckling behavior of piezoelectrically layered sandwich nanobeams with perforated core embedded in an elastic medium with flexoelectricity. The electric enthalpy energy function is expressed in terms of the electric and the flexoelectric effects. Regular squared cutouts perforation pattern is adopted for the perforated core. Closed forms for the equivalent geometrical parameters of perforated core are developed. The shear deformation effect is incroporated using the Timoshenko beam theory (TBT). To capture the nonlocality and the microstructure length scale effects, the nonlocal strain gradient elasticity theory is modified and adopted to include the electromechanical nonclassical effects. The Hamiltonian principle is utilized to derive the equilibrium equations. An analytical solution methodology is developed to derive closed forms for critical buckling loads. The developed solution procedure is implemented into a MATLAB software code. The accuracy of the developed procedure is verified by comparing obtained results with corresponding cases reported in the literature. Influences of different design variables on the electromechanical buckling behavior are explored through intensive parametric studies. Results obtained showed the significant effects of the flexoelectricity and the piezoelectric parameters on the size dependent buckling behavior of piezoelectric sandwich nanobeams with perforated core. Size dependent electromechanical as well as mechanical buckling behaviors could be controlled by adjusting these parameters. The developed procedure and the obtained numerical results are helpful in many technological and industrial applications as MEMS and NEMS.

Vibration of embedded restrained composite tube shafts with nonlocal and strain gradient effects

Torsional vibration response of a circular nanoshaft, which is restrained by the means of elastic springs at both ends, is a matter of great concern in the field of nano-/micromechanics. Hence, the complexities arising from the deformable boundary conditions present a formidable obstacle to the attainment of closed-form solutions. In this study, a general method is presented to calculate the torsional vibration frequencies of functionally graded porous tube nanoshafts under both deformable and rigid boundary conditions. Classical continuum theory, upgraded with nonlocal strain gradient elasticity theory, is employed to reformulate the partial differential equation of the nanoshaft. First, torsional vibration equation based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory is derived for functionally graded porous nanoshaft embedded in an elastic media via Hamilton’s principle. The ordinary differential equation is found by discretizing the partial differential equation with the separation of variables method. Then, Fourier sine series is used as the rotation function. The necessary Stokes' transformation is applied to establish the general eigenvalue problem including the different parameters. For the first time in the literature, a solution that can analyze the torsional vibration frequencies of functionally graded porous tube shafts embedded in an elastic media under general (elastic and rigid) boundary conditions on the basis of nonlocal strain gradient theory is presented in this study. The results obtained show that while the increase in the material length scale parameter, elastic media and spring stiffnesses increase the frequencies of nanoshafts, the increase in the nonlocal parameter and functionally grading index values decreases the frequencies of nanoshafts. The detailed effects of these parameters are discussed in the article.

Inextensional vibrations of thin spherical shells using strain gradient elasticity theory

We study inextensional vibrations of the spherical shell using strain gradient elasticity theory under Kirchhoff-Love hypotheses. For admissibility of the inextensional deformations the shell is punctured by making a tiny hole. The shell is assumed to be made of linearly elastic, homogeneous, and isotropic material. The closed form expression for the frequencies of inextensional modes of vibration of spherical caps of various polar angles and that of nearly complete spherical shell are derived using Rayleigh's method. Towards this, the displacement and velocity fields are obtained by setting the membrane strains to zero. Further, to facilitate the existence of inextensional vibrations, boundaries are assumed to be traction free. The frequencies are computed for the positive and negative signs in the strain gradient term of the constitutive law. The computed frequencies, employing negative sign are found to be higher than those computed using classical elasticity theory. The opposite effect is seen when the frequencies are computed with the positive sign. Further, the frequencies are found to saturate when the positive sign is used in the constitutive law. Parametric studies viz. variation in frequencies with the circumferential wavenumbers for different values of length scale parameter, variation in frequencies with circumferential wavenumbers for different values of polar angles and a given length scale parameter, variation of frequency with increasing polar angle for a given circumferential wavenumber, variation of saturation wavenumber with increasing polar angle, and increasing length scale parameter are carried out. The frequencies of nearly a spherical shell with increasing circumferential wavenumber are also computed.

An investigation on the torsional vibration of a FG strain gradient nanotube

AbstractIn this work, an attention is paid to the prediction of torsional vibration frequencies of functionally graded porous nanotubes based on the Lam strain gradient elasticity theory. The nanotubes are formed of functionally graded porous nanomaterials that vary in the radial direction. This study also aims to obtain the analytical solution of the strain gradient model presented by Lam for torsional vibration response, in a simple manner, for different rigid or restrained boundary conditions. The torsion angle of a functionally graded nanotube is defined by an infinite Fourier series. Then, the Stokes’ transformation is applied to force the boundary conditions to the desired state. An eigenvalue problem is established with the help of the two systems of equations obtained. This eigenvalue problem, which includes deformable springs at both ends of the nanotube, appears as a general analytical solution that can find torsional vibration frequencies. It is shown that the vibrational responses can be significantly influenced by the through‐radius gradings of material, material length scale parameters and deformable springs of the functionally graded nanotubes and consequently can be predicted by giving proper values to torsional spring parameters.

Dislocations in nonlocal simplified strain gradient elasticity: Eringen meets Aifantis

The nonlocal strain gradient elasticity theory is used to address mechanical problems at small scales where size effects and regularization cannot be neglected. In this work, dislocations are investigated in the framework of nonlocal simplified first strain gradient elasticity. It is shown that nonlocal simplified strain gradient elasticity is the unification of the theories of Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity of Helmholtz type and simplified first strain gradient elasticity. Nonlocal simplified strain gradient elasticity contains two characteristic lengths, namely the characteristic length of nonlocal elasticity of Helmholtz type and the characteristic length of simplified first strain gradient elasticity. The advantage of nonlocal simplified first strain gradient elasticity is that the displacement, elastic distortion, plastic distortion, total stress, Cauchy stress and double stress fields of screw and edge dislocations which are calculated here are nonsingular and finite everywhere. Moreover, the Peach-Koehler force of two screw dislocations and two edge dislocations is derived and it is shown that the Peach-Koehler force is also nonsingular. Numerical examples for all dislocation fields of screw and edge dislocations in aluminum are given.

Application of the Green's function method for static analysis of nonlocal stress-driven and strain gradient elastic nanobeams

This paper focuses on the static analysis of a generally restrained Euler-Bernoulli nanobeam (GRNB), which is subjected to arbitrary distributed or concentrated loads. The small length scale effect is introduced through a strongly nonlocal integral elastic law called the stress-driven nonlocal Euler-Bernoulli beam model, and a weakly nonlocal elastic law called the strain-gradient Euler-Bernoulli beam model. The stress-driven nonlocal theory and the strain gradient elasticity theory are both employed, to formulate the differential equation governing the Euler-Bernoulli nanobeams. Both theories are ruled by a similar 6th order differential equation, with distinct higher-order boundary conditions. The paper demonstrates that the strain gradient theory can be also reformulated as a stress-driven nonlocal theory with unsymmetrical kernel, in contrast to the initial stress-driven nonlocal theory which has symmetrical exponential kernel. Additionally, some theoretical backgrounds about both nonlocal elasticity theorems are provided. Exact solutions for both nanobeam models are presented, using Green's function method. The parameters of the Green's functions are derived for each beam theory, and then utilized to establish the static displacement function of both nanobeam theories. Exact solutions are provided for the bending of both nanobeams with various end boundary conditions, that account for the small length scale effects. The paper also compares the responses of the stress-driven Euler-Bernoulli beam and the strain gradient Euler-Bernoulli beam, showing close deflections and similar effects of increasing the nonlocal parameter on beam stiffness. A major difference highlighted between the two theories is that the strain gradient theory predicts a homogeneous strain state for homogeneous stress state, as opposed to the stress-driven theory.

Non-singular straight dislocations in anisotropic crystals

A non-singular dislocation theory of straight dislocations in anisotropic crystals is derived using simplified anisotropic incompatible first strain gradient elasticity theory. Based on the non-singular theory of dislocations for anisotropic crystals, all dislocation key-formulas of straight dislocations are derived in generalized plane strain, for the first time. In this model, the singularity of the dislocation fields at the dislocation core is regularized owing to the nonlocal nature of strain gradient elasticity. The non-singular dislocation fields of straight dislocations are obtained in terms of two-dimensional anisotropic Green functions of simplified anisotropic strain gradient elasticity. All necessary Green functions, including the two-dimensional Green tensor of the twofold anisotropic Helmholtz-Navier operator and the two-dimensional F\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\varvec{F}$$\\end{document}-tensor of generalized plane strain, are derived as sum of the classical part and a gradient part in terms of Meijer G-functions. Among others, we calculate the regularization of the Barnett solution for the elastic distortion of straight dislocations in an anisotropic crystal. In the framework of simplified anisotropic first strain gradient elasticity, the necessary material parameters are computed for cubic materials including aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and tungsten (W) using a second nearest-neighbour modified embedded-atom-method interatomic potential. The elastic distortion and stress fields of screw and edge dislocations of 12⟨111⟩\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\frac{1}{2} \\langle 111\\rangle$$\\end{document} Burgers vector in bcc iron and bcc tungsten and screw and edge dislocations of 12⟨110⟩\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\frac{1}{2} \\langle 110\\rangle$$\\end{document} Burgers vector in fcc copper and fcc aluminum have been computed and presented in contour plots.

Peridynamic correspondence model with strain gradient elasticity for microstructure dependent size effects

This study presents a peridynamic (PD) correspondence model with strain gradient elasticity (SGE) to capture size effect on strength of nano- and micro-scale structures. The classical elasticity theory lacking a length scale parameter does not account for the microstructure-dependent size effects. Strain Gradient (SG) elasticity is an extension of the classical elasticity with a length scale parameter(s) which can be linked to the microstructure of the material. Peridynamic theory introduces damage into the constitutive relations in a natural way by allowing for interactions of a material point within its horizon which is referred to as the internal length parameter. The correspondence model of the PD theory permits the incorporation of the constitutive relationship of SG theory. Therefore, the present approach combines the effects of PD and SGE length scale parameters on the stiffness and strength of the material. The resulting equations present two length parameters: the horizon of a material point in PD theory and the characteristic length in SGE theory. The PD equation of motion with SGE (PDSG) is free of spatial derivatives and allows for the imposition of classical and nonclassical boundary conditions. The PDSG is first applied to investigate the deformation response of a one-dimensional nanoscale film subjected to a quasi-static tensile load and a dynamic load through an initial constant strain. The static response is compared with the analytical solution for varying ratio of SG length parameter to PD horizon. The dynamic response is compared with a computational solution while satisfying the nonclassical boundary conditions. Subsequently, the PDSG is applied to study the deformation response of a two-dimensional nanoscale film subjected to a quasi-static axial load and a specified tangential end displacement. These two cases are considered under special displacement constraints to compare with the available analytical solutions. Subsequently, a two-dimensional nanoscale film with or without an internal crack is subjected to uniform tensile loading. Finally, crack propagation is simulated under incremental displacement loading. The results capture the analytical predictions and the expected increase in stiffness with increasing ratio of SG length parameter to PD horizon.

On mechanics of piezocomposite shell structures

This study presents an original and novel investigation into the mechanics of piezo-flexo-magneto-elastic nanocomposite doubly-curved shells (PFMDCSs) and the ability to detect the lower and higher levels of electro-magnetic fields. In this context, by utilizing the first-order shear deformation shell model, stresses and strains are acquired. By imposing Hamilton's principle and the von Kármán approach, the governing equations have been obtained. The intelligent shell model consists of size-dependent influences, viz., strain gradients. This will take place via Mindlin's strain gradient elasticity theory and the subsequent re-establishing of the mathematical framework by incorporating this concept. The strain gradient results in a flexoelectric/flexomagnetic effect. The converse effect of the magnetic field on the basis of a close circuit has been assumed. The developed bending equations have been transferred into the algebraic ones by substituting an analytical technique based on homogeneous immovable simple support for the four edges. The problem has been solved according to the Newton-Raphson iteration scheme, and transverse deflections have been computed. For researching the rightness and precision of the shell models together with the solution process, a comparison is prepared by the finite element method (FEM) results for simplified shells, and a good correlation has been observed. At last, by examining several factors governing the problem, the conditions under which the magnetic effects can be noticeable and dominant in doubly-curved shells have been sought. This study could serve as a benchmark reference for piezoceramic-DCSs, as the presented governing equations are original. The most interesting outcome of this research is that the electro-magnetic response of intelligent structures can be entirely geometry-dependent.

The strain gradient viscoelasticity full field solutions for Mode-I and Mode-II crack problems

The impacts of size and viscosity become distinctly evident when considering micro- and nano-scale phenomena for advanced materials with micro- and nanostructures. In this study, the mechanical behavior of the advanced material is characterized by using the strain gradient viscoelasticity theory, and a novel solution is presented for the mode-I and mode-II cracks, which is formulated based on the strain gradient viscoelasticity theory, employing the Wiener-Hopf method. Besides, the gradient-dependent viscoelastic crack solutions are directly derived by applying the correspondence principle that aligns strain gradient viscoelasticity with strain gradient elasticity within the Maxwell's standard linear solid model. Relative to the influence of elastic strain gradient effects, the involvement of viscous gradient effects instigates a reinforcement to the stress field around the crack tip, thereby offering a more reasonable representation of advanced materials crack behavior. When the viscosity effect is omitted or as time tends to infinity, the solutions based on strain gradient viscoelasticity theory converges to those on the classical strain gradient elasticity theory.

In-plane surface waves propagating in a coated half-space based on the strain-gradient elasticity theory

By employing the strain gradient elasticity theory, we investigate the propagation of in-plane surface waves in a coated half-space with microstructures. We first investigate the general case of the present problem, that is, both the surface layer and the half-space are described by the strain-gradient elasticity theory. We formulate the boundary and continuity conditions of the general case and derive the dispersion relations of the surface waves. Then we investigate two special cases: (1) the surface layer is described by the strain-gradient elasticity theory, while the half-space by the classical elasticity theory; (2) the surface layer is described by the classical elasticity theory while the half-space by the strain-gradient elasticity theory. We examine the effects of strain-gradient characteristic lengths on the dispersion curves of surface waves in all cases. This study helps to further understand the propagation characteristics of elastic waves in materials with microstructures.