Size-dependent vibrations and waves in piezoelectric nanostructures: a literature review

Abstract

With the development and applications of nano-electro-mechanical systems, academic interest in the mechanical behavior of piezoelectric structures at nanoscale is increasing. Interesting unconventional phenomena have been observed either experimentally or through molecular dynamics simulation. The most common and also important one is the size-dependent characteristics. Classical continuum mechanics with necessary modifications has been proven to be very powerful in explaining these particular characteristics in a relatively simple theoretical framework. This article reviews the recent advances in understanding the size-dependent dynamic responses of piezoelectric nanostructures from the viewpoint of modified continuum mechanics. Particular attentions are paid to three advanced theories of piezoelectricity (e.g. gradient piezoelectricity, surface piezoelectricity, and nonlocal piezoelectricity) and their abilities to predict unconventional vibration and wave characteristics in piezoelectric structures and devices at the nanoscale. The article could serve as a useful reference for the future research on or design of nanostructures with multifield couplings.