Stability analysis of an embedded single-walled carbon nanotube with small initial curvature based on nonlocal theory

Many experimental observations have shown that most nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes, are often characterized by a certain degree of waviness along their axial direction. This geometrical imperfection has profound effects on the mechanical behavior of carbon nanotubes. In the present work, stability of a slightly curved carbon nanotube under lateral loading is investigated based on Eringen's nonlocal elasticity theory. Euler Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories are employed to obtain equilibrium equations. Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundation is used to approximate the effect of matrix. Effects of initial curvature, nonlocal parameter, beam length, and elastic foundation parameters on initiation of critical conditions are investigated.