Application of nonlocal elasticity theory for buckling analysis of nano-scale plates

Abstract Third-order shear deformation theory is reformulated using the nonlocal elasticity of Eringen. The equation of equilibrium of the nonlocal elasticity are derived. This theory has ability to capture the both small scale effects and quadratic variation of shear strain through the plate thickness. Navier's method has been used to solve the governing equations for all edges simply supported boundary conditions. Analytical solutions of buckling of nano-scale plates are presented using this theory to illustrate the effect of nonlocal theory on buckling load of the nano-scale plates. The relations between nonlocal third-order and local theories are discussed by numerical results. Further, effects of (i) length (ii) nonlocal parameter, (iii) aspect ratio and (iv) mode number on nondimensional buckling load are studied. In order to validate the present solutions, the reference solutions are used and discussed. The present results of nano-scale plates using the nonlocal theory can provide a useful benchmark to check the accuracy of related numerical solutions.