Buckling analysis of nonlocal third-order shear deformable functionally graded piezoelectric nanobeams embedded in elastic medium

Abstract

This paper investigates buckling response of higher-order shear deformable nanobeams made of functionally graded piezoelectric (FGP) materials embedded in an elastic foundation. Material properties of FGP nanobeam change continuously in thickness direction based on power-law model. To capture small size effects, Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory is adopted. Employing Hamilton’s principle, the nonlocal governing equations of FGP nanobeams embedded in elastic foundation are obtained. To predict buckling behavior of embedded FGP nanobeams, the Navier-type analytical solution is applied to solve the governing equations. Numerical results demonstrate the influences of various parameters such as elastic foundation, external electric voltage, power-law index, nonlocal parameter and slenderness ratio on the buckling loads of size-dependent FGP nanobeams.