Wave solutions in nonlocal integral beams

Abstract Wave propagation in slender beams is addressed in the framework of nonlocal continuum mechanics. The elastodynamic problem is formulated exploiting consistent methodologies of pure integral, mixture and nonlocal strain gradient elasticity. Relevant wave solutions are analytically provided, with peculiar attention to reflection and near field phenomena occurring in presence of boundaries. Notably, the solution field is got as superimposition of incident, reflected, primary near field and secondary near field waves. The latter contribution represents a further effect due to the size dependent mechanical behaviour. Limit responses for vanishing nonlocal parameter are analytically evaluated, consistently showing a zero amplitude of the secondary near field wave. Parametric analyses are carried out to show how length scale parameter, amplitude of incident wave and geometric and elastic properties of the beam affect the amplitudes of reflected, primary near field and secondary near field waves. The results obtained exploiting different nonlocal integral elasticity approaches are compared and discussed.