Nonlinear buckling and postbuckling behavior of cylindrical shear deformable nanoshells subjected to radial compression including surface free energy effects

The objective of the present investigation is to predict the nonlinear buckling and postbuckling characteristics of cylindrical shear deformable nanoshells with and without initial imperfection under hydrostatic pressure load in the presence of surface free energy effects.To this end, Gurtin-Murdoch elasticity theory is implemented into the irst-order shear deformation shell theory to develop a size-dependent shell model which has an excellent capability to take surface free energy effects into account. A linear variation through the shell thickness is assumed for the normal stress component of the bulk to satisfy the equilibrium conditions on the surfaces of nanoshell. On the basis of variational approach and using von Karman-Donnell-type of kinematic nonlinearity, the non-classical governing differential equations are derived. Then a boundary layer theory of shell buckling is employed incorporating the effects of surface free energy in conjunction with nonlinear prebuckling deformations, large delections in the postbuckling domain and initial geometric imperfection. Finally, an eficient solution methodology based on a two-stepped singular perturbation technique is put into use in order to obtain the critical buckling loads and postbuckling equilibrium paths corresponding to various geometric parameters. It is demonstrated that the surface free energy effects cause increases in both the critical buckling pressure and critical end-shortening of a nanoshell made of silicon.

Towards Understanding Why the Thin Membrane Transducer Deforms:Surface Stress-Induced Buckling

This study is directed towards a comprehensive exploration on the deformation mechanism of the thin membrane transducer（TMT） caused by surface stress variation.We stress that the biomolecular interaction has changed the magnitude of the surface stress;and when the surface stress exceeds a critical value the TMT will buckle and deform.Based upon Gurtin＇s theory of surface elasticity and principle of finite deformation,we abstract the TMT as a nanobeam with two clamped ends,and the close-formed governing equation set is derived accordingly.A computer code via the shooting method is developed to solve the presented two-point boundary value problem.In succession,the nanobeam deflection and critical parameters for buckling are quantitatively discussed.This investigation lays the theoretical foundation of TMTs;and it is also beneficial to gain deep insight into characterizing mechanical properties of nanomaterials and engineering nano-devices.