An operational calculus-based approach to a general bending theory of nonlocal elastic beams

This paper is concerned with obtaining exact solutions for the bending problem of an elastic nanobeam by using the Lurie's operational method. Within the framework of nonlocal elasticity theory, a general governing equation, capable of capturing the size effect, is first constructed in a systematic and straightforward manner. Then a solution methodology is described. Some explicit solutions involving trigonometric expansions are also presented and compared with other well known beam theories. The results indicate that this general beam theory can provide more accurate results, which can be served as benchmarks for other theoretical or numerical methods. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.