Small-scale effects on wave propagation in curved nanobeams subjected to thermal loadings based on NSGT

This study focuses on wave propagation analysis in the curved nanobeam exposed to different thermal loadings based on the Nonlocal Strain Gradient Theory (NSGT). Mechanical properties of the constitutive materials are assumed to be temperature-dependent and functionally graded. For modeling, the governing equations are derived using Hamilton;s principle. Using the proposed model, the effects of small-scale, geometrical, and thermo-mechanical parameters on the dynamic behavior of the curved nanobeam are studied. A small-scale parameter, Z, is taken into account that collectively represents the strain gradient and the nonlocal parameters. When Z<1 or Z>1, the phase velocity decreases/increases, and the stiffness-softening/hardening phenomenon occurs in the curved nanobeam. Accordingly, the phase velocity depends more on the strain gradient parameter rather than the nonlocal parameter. As the arc angle increases, more variations in the phase velocity emerge in small wavenumbers. Furthermore, an increase of &#8710;T causes a decrease in the phase velocity, mostly in the case of uniform temperature rise rather than heat conduction. For verification, the results are compared with those available for the straight nanobeam in the previous studies. It is believed that the findings will be helpful for different applications of curved nanostructures used in nano-devices.