Strain gradient elasticity with geometric nonlinearities and its computational evaluation

Abstract Background The theory of linear elasticity is insufficient at small length scales, e.g., when dealing with micro-devices. In particular, it cannot predict the “size effect” observed at the micro- and nanometer scales. In order to design at such small scales an improvement of the theory of elasticity is necessary, which is referred to as strain gradient elasticity . Methods There are various approaches in literature, especially for small deformations. In order to include geometric nonlinearities we start by discussing the necessary balance equations. Then we present a generic approach for obtaining adequate constitutive equations. By combining balance equations and constitutive relations nonlinear field equations result. We apply a variational formulation to the nonlinear field equations in order to find a weak form, which can be solved numerically by using open-source codes. Results By using balances of linear and angular momentum we obtain the so-called stress and couple stress as tensors of rank two and three, respectively. Since dealing with tensors an adequate representation theorem can be applied. We propose for an isotropic material a stress with two and a couple stress with three material parameters. For understanding their impact during deformation the numerical solution procedure is performed. By successfully simulating the size effect known from experiments, we verify the proposed theory and its numerical implementation. Conclusion Based on representation theorems a self consistent strain gradient theory is presented, discussed, and implemented into a computational reality .