Accurate and efficient analytical simulation of free vibration for embedded nonlocal CNTRC beams with general boundary conditions

This study aims to evaluate the free vibrational response of embedded restrained nanobeams enriched by nanocomposites based on an exact Fourier series approach. In order to capture the small-scale effects on the dynamical response, Eringen's differential form of nonlocal elasticity is used which employs a scale (nonlocal) parameter. Within the framework of Rayleigh and Bernoulli-Euler beam theories, including the effect of nonlocality and employing the Fourier sine series together with Stokes' transformation, systems of linear equations are obtained and solved using the coefficient matrices. The combined effects of elastic boundary conditions, elastic foundation, dispersion patterns and volume fractions of carbon nanotubes, and nonlocal parameter are examined by solving eigenvalue problems constructed with Fourier infinite series. Free vibration frequencies are calculated for carbon nanotube-reinforced nanobeams under different rigid or restrained boundary conditions, including Winkler-Pasternak type elastic foundation. A comprehensive parametric study is performed, focusing on various effects for the free vibrational response of the composite nanobeam reinforced with carbon nanotubes. It is concluded that adding a small amount of carbon nanotube material can reinforce the stiffness of the composite nanobeam, and its free vibration performance is significantly affected by the distribution patterns, elastic medium, and boundary conditions.