Exact solutions for axisymmetric bending of micro/nanoscale circular plates based on nonlocal plate theory

Axisymmetric bending of micro/nanoscale circular plates is studied using a nonlocal plate theory. The nonlocal theory allows for small scale effects. The governing equations and boundary conditions are derived for the aforementioned problem. By using a variable transformation technique, exact nonlocal solutions for axisymmetric bending of circular plates under general loading are obtained. A detailed examination of the effects of small scale on nonlocal solutions is carried out using uniformly loaded circular plates with either clamped or simply-supported edges. When compared with local plate theory, the nonlocal solutions show larger deflections, moments and shear force and lower bending stiffness.