Bi-Directional Functionally Graded Nanotubes: Fluid Conveying Dynamics

In the paper, a novel model of fluid-conveying nanotubes made of bi-directional functionally graded materials is presented for investigating the dynamic behaviors and stability. For the first time, the material properties of the nanotubes along both radical and axial directions are under consideration. Based on Euler–Bernoulli beam and Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theories, the governing equation of the nanotubes and associated boundary conditions are developed using Hamilton’s principle. Differential quadrature method (DQM) is applied for discretizing the equation to determine the numerical solutions of the nanotubes with different boundary conditions. Numerical examples are presented to examine the effects of the material gradation, nonlocal parameter, and mode order on the dynamics and stability. It is shown that the two-directional materials distribution can significantly change the critical flow velocity, fundamental frequencies and stability. Comparing with traditional one-directional distribution, such 2D is more flexible to tune overall dynamic behaviors, this may provide new avenues for smart pipes.