Stress intensity factors of double cantilever nanobeams via gradient elasticity theory

Growth of crack modeled as double cantilever beam at nanoscale is studied. Using the gradient elasticity theory, the energy of nanocantilevers is calculated. The energy release rate and stress intensity factor of double cantilever nanobeams are obtained. Results indicate that the energy release rates and stress intensity factors exhibit pronounced size effects if the thickness of the nanobeam falls in the same order of the characteristic length. The fracture toughness of the nanostructures is apparently enhanced. The energy release rates and stress intensity factors have little size-dependence if the thickness of the nanobeam is greater much than the characteristic length. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.