A nonlocal zeroth-order shear deformation theory for nonlinear postbuckling of nanobeams

In this work, a nonlocal zeroth-order shear deformation theory is developed for the nonlinear postbuckling behavior of nanoscale beams. The beauty of this formulation is that, in addition to including the nonlocal effect according to the nonlocal elasticity theory of Eringen, the shear deformation effect is considered in the axial displacement within the use of shear forces instead of rotational displacement like in existing shear deformation theories. The principle of virtual work together of the nonlocal differential constitutive relations of Eringen, are considered to obtain the equations of equilibrium. Closed-form solutions for the critical buckling load and the amplitude of the static nonlinear response in the postbuckling state for simply supported and clamped clamped nanoscale beams are determined.