Nonlinear buckling and free vibration of curved CNTs by doublet mechanics

In this manuscript, static and dynamic behaviors of geometrically imperfect carbon nanotubes (CNTs) subject to different types of end conditions are investigated. The Doublet Mechanics (DM) theory, which is length scale dependent theory, is used in the analysis. The Euler-Bernoulli kinematic and nonlinear mid-plane stretching effect are considered through analysis. The governing equation of imperfect CNTs is a sixth order nonlinear integro-partial-differential equation. The buckling problem is discretized via the differential-integral-quadrature method (DIQM) and then it is solved using Newton's method. The equation of linear vibration problem is discretized using DIQM and then solved as a linear eigenvalue problem to get natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes. The DIQM results are compared with analytical ones available in the literature and excellent agreement is obtained. The numerical results are depicted to illustrate the influence of length scale parameter, imperfection amplitude and shear foundation constant on critical buckling load, post-buckling configuration and linear vibration behavior. The current model is effective in designing of NEMS, nano-sensor and nano-actuator manufactured by CNTs.