Stability analysis of functionally graded heterogeneous piezoelectric nanobeams based on nonlocal elasticity theory

An analytical solution of the buckling governing equations of functionally graded piezoelectric (FGP) nanobeams obtained by using a developed third-order shear deformation theory is presented. Electro-mechanical properties of FGP nanobeam are supposed to change continuously in the thickness direction based on power-law model. To capture the small size effects, Eringen's nonlocal elasticity theory is adopted. Employing Hamilton's principle, the nonlocal governing equations of a FG nanobeams made of piezoelectric materials are obtained and they are solved using Navier-type analytical solution. Results are provided to show the effect of different external electric voltage, power-law index, nonlocal parameter and slenderness ratio on the buckling loads of the size-dependent FGP nanobeams. The accuracy of the present model is verified by comparing it with nonlocal Timoshenko FG beams. So, this study makes the first attempt for analyzing buckling behavior of higher order shear deformable FGP nanobeams.