In-Plane Static Analysis of Curved Nanobeams Using Exact-Solution-Based Finite Element Formulation

Due to their superior properties, the interest in nanostructures is increasing today in engineering. This study presents a new two-noded curved finite element for analyzing the in-plane static behaviors of curved nanobeams. Opposite to traditional curved finite elements developed by using approximate interpolation functions, the proposed curved finite element is developed by using exact analytical solutions. Although this approach was first introduced for analyzing the mechanical behaviors of macro-scale curved beams by adopting the local theory of elasticity, the exact analytical expressions used in this study were obtained from the solutions of governing equations that were expressed via the differential form of the nonlocal theory of elasticity. Therefore, the effects of shear strain and axial extension included in the analytical formulation are also inherited by the curved finite element developed here. The rigidity matrix and the consistent force vector are developed for a circular finite element. To demonstrate the applicability of the method, static analyses of various curved nanobeams subjected to different boundary conditions and loading scenarios are performed, and the obtained results are compared with the exact analytical ones. The presented study provides an accurate and low computational cost method for researchers to investigate the in-plane static behavior of curved nanobeams.