Static and dynamic instability of nanowire-fabricated nanoelectromechanical systems: effects of flow damping, van de Waals force, surface energy and microstructure

Surface energy and microstructure-dependent size phenomena can play significant roles in physical performance of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). Herein, the static and dynamic pull-in instability of cantilever and double-clamped NEMS fabricated from conductive cylindrical nanowires with circular cross section is studied. The Gurtin–Murdoch surface elasticity in combination with the couple stress continuum theory is employed to incorporate the coupled effects of surface energy and microstructure-dependent size phenomenon. Using Green–Lagrange strain, the higher order surface stress components are incorporated into the governing equation. The effect of gas damping is considered in the model as well as structural damping. The nonlinear governing equation is solved using analytical reduced order method. The effects of various parameters on the static and dynamic pull-in parameters, phase plans, and stability threshold of the nanowire-based structures are demonstrated.