Analytical solutions for static bending of edge cracked micro beams

Abstract

In this study, static bending of edge cracked micro beams is studied analytically under uniformly distributed transverse loading based on modified couple stress theory. The cracked beam is modelled using a proper modification of the classical cracked-beam theory consisting of two sub-beams connected through a massless elastic rotational spring. The deflection curve expressions of the edge cracked microbeam segments separated by the rotational spring are determined by the Integration method. The elastic curve functions of the edge cracked micro beams are obtained in explicit form for cantilever and simply supported beams. In order to establish the accuracy of the present formulation and results, the deflections are obtained, and compared with the published results available in the literature. Good agreement is observed. In the numerical study, the elastic deflections of the edge cracked micro beams are calculated and discussed for different crack positions, different lengths of the beam, different length scale parameter, different crack depths, and some typical boundary conditions. Also, the difference between the classical beam theory and modified couple stress theory is investigated for static bending of edge cracked microbeams. It is believed that the tabulated results will be a reference with which other researchers can compare their results.