Fundamental frequencies of a nano beam used for atomic force microscopy (AFM) in tapping mode

In this study we investigate the motion of a torsionally restrained beam used in tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM), with the aim of manufacturing at nano-scale. TM-AFM oscillates at high frequency in order to remove material or shape nano structures. Euler-Bernoulli theory and Eringen's theory of non-local continuum are used to model the nano machining structure composed of two single degree of freedom systems. Eringen's theory is effective at nano-scale and takes into account small-scale effects. This theory has been shown to yield reliable results when compared to modelling using molecular dynamics. The system is modelled as a beam with a torsional boundary condition at one end; and at the free end is a transverse linear spring attached to the tip. The other end of the spring is attached to a mass, resulting in a single degree of freedom spring-mass system. The motion of the tip of the beam and tip mass can be investigated to observe the tip frequency response, displacement and contact force. The beam and spring-mass frequencies contain information about the maximum displacement amplitude and therefore the sample penetration depth and this allows