Size-dependent generalized thermoelasticity model for Timoshenko microbeams

A size-dependent, explicit formulation for coupled thermoelasticity addressing a Timoshenko microbeam is derived in this study. This novel model combines modified couple stresses and non-Fourier heat conduction to capture size effects in the microscale. To this purpose, a length-scale parameter as square root of the ratio of curvature modulus to shear modulus and a thermal relaxation time as the phase lag of heat flux vector are considered for predicting the thermomechanical behavior in a microscale device accurately. Governing equations and boundary conditions of motion are obtained simultaneously through variational formulation based on Hamilton’s principle. As for case study, the model is utilized for simply supported microbeams subjected to a constant impulsive force per unit length. A comparison of the results with those obtained by the classical elasticity and Fourier heat conduction theories is carried out. Findings indicate that simultaneous considering the length-scale parameter and thermal relaxation time has strong influence on the thermoelastic behavior of microbeams. In dynamic thermoelastic analysis of the microbeam, while the non-Fourier heat conduction model is employed, the modified couple stress theory predicts larger deflection compared with the classical theory.