Nonlinear Bending of FG-CNTR Curved Nanobeams in Thermal Environments

Abstract

By focusing on the nonlinear bending behavior of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced (FG-CNTR) curved nanobeams under thermal loads while considering size effects, this paper fills the apparent void by comprehensively incorporating the Chen-Yao surface elasticity theory and modified couple-stress theory. A tri-parameter elastic substrate model is introduced, and the temperature dependence of material properties is considered. Through a two-step perturbation technique, the asymptotic solutions for the temperature-deflection relationship are obtained. After that, novel numerical results are provided to explore the impacts of temperature, size effects, geometric characteristics of the curved beams, elastic substrates, properties of the CNT reinforcements, and boundary conditions. The results indicate that surface effects, couple stress effects, and the elastic foundation enhance the bending stiffness of FG-CNTR curved nanobeams. By considering both size effect theories, this study provides a more comprehensive and precise description of the nonlinear bending of FG-CNTR curved nanobeams under thermal loads.