Buckling analysis of tapered nanobeams using nonlocal strain gradient theory and a generalized differential quadrature method

This paper presents the buckling behavior of tapered small-scale beams in the framework of nonlocal strain gradient theory. Three different types of cross-sectional variation are proposed-width variation, thickness variation and a combination of both. The Euler-Bernoulli beam model, nonlocal strain gradient theory and Hamilton's principle are employed to achieve the governing equations of small-scale beams. A generalized differential quadrature method is used to solve the governing equations for all three nonuniformity models. In order to comprehend the influence of a nonuniform cross section, a parametric study is presented and the effects of strain gradient, nonlocal elasticity and all three types of nonuniformity on the critical buckling load are presented. It is shown that such nonuniformities have a significant effect on the buckling behavior of small-scale beams. Accordingly, with the wide application of tapered small-scale beams in many devices, this study could be a step forward in understanding, predicting and controlling such behaviors.