The nonlocal parameter for three-dimensional nonlocal elasticity analyses of square graphene sheets: An exact buckling analysis

This paper studies buckling problem of square nano-plates under uniform biaxial pressure through using three-dimensional nonlocal elasticity theory. Equations of stability are solved analytically for square nano-plates with simple supports using a Navier-type method. Critical buckling stress is presented for nano square plates with different thickness-length and nonlocal parameter-length ratios. The critical buckling stress is also reported using different local (classical) and nonlocal two-dimensional plate theories constructed essentially based on some simplifying assumptions. Comparison of the results of two-dimensional and three-dimensional theories for both local and nonlocal cases shows that the nonlocal two-dimensional plate theories are not as accurate as the local two-dimensional ones. This issue however reveals importance of the nonlocal three-dimensional solutions. Finally, through comparison of the numerical results with those obtained from molecular dynamic simulations, the value of the nonlocal parameter is calibrated for square graphene sheets. This parameter can be also used for the other nonlocal three-dimensional mechanical analyses of square graphene sheets to find accurate solutions.