In-plane and out-of-plane nonlinear size-dependent dynamics of microplates

The aim of the current study is to examine the in-plane and out-of-plane nonlinear size-dependent dynamics of a microplate resting on an elastic foundation, constrained by distributed rotational springs at boundaries. Employing the von Kármán plate theory as well as Kirchhoff’s hypotheses, the equations of motion for the in-plane and out-of-plane directions are derived by means of the Lagrange equations, based on the modified couple stress theory. The potential energies stored in a Winkler-type elastic foundation and the rotational springs at the edges of the microplate are taken into account. The set of second-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations, obtained via the Lagrange scheme, is recast into a double-dimensional set of first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations with coupled terms by means of a change of variables. The linear natural frequencies of the system are obtained through use of an eigenvalue analysis upon the linear terms of the equations of motion. The nonlinear response, on the other hand, is obtained by means of the pseudo-arclength continuation method. The dynamical characteristics of the system are examined via plotting the frequency–response and force–response curves. The effect of the stiffness of the rotational and translational springs on the nonlinear size-dependent behaviour is also examined. Finally, the effect of employing the modified couple stress theory, rather than the classical theory, on the response is discussed.