Longitudinal wave propagation in nanorods using a general nonlocal unimodal rod theory and calibration of nonlocal parameter with lattice dynamics

In the present study, longitudinal wave propagation in nanorods is studied using nonlocal elasticity theory. The nonlocal constitutive equations of Eringen are used in the formulations. A unified rod theory including lateral inertia, shear and surface stress effects which gives the previous theories as a special case is adopted in the formulation of the displacement field. A modification is proposed to Eringen's nonlocal parameter e(0) by obtaining an explicit relation for it. The nonlocal parameter is calibrated using lattice dynamics. It is obtained that the nonlocal parameter is material and geometry dependent. Considering lateral inertia and surface effects improves longitudinal wave characteristics of nanorods. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.