On the analytical and meshless numerical approaches to mixture stress gradient functionally graded nano-bar in tension

The mixture stress gradient theory of elasticity is conceived via consistent unification of the classical elasticity theory and the stress gradient theory within a stationary variational framework. The boundary-value problem associated with a functionally graded nano-bar is rigorously formulated. The constitutive law of the axial force field is determined and equipped with proper non-standard boundary conditions. Evidences of well-posedness of the mixture stress gradient problems, defined on finite structural domains, are demonstrated by analytical analysis of the axial displacement field of structural schemes of practical interest in nano-mechanics. An effective meshless numerical approach is, moreover, introduced based on the proposed stationary variational principle while employing autonomous series solution of the kinematic and kinetic field variables. Suitable mathematical forms of the coordinate functions are set forth in terms of the modified Chebyshev polynomials, satisfying the required classical and non-standard boundary conditions. An excellent agreement between the numerical results of the axial displacement field of the functionally graded nano-bar and the analytical solution counterpart is confirmed on the entire span of the nano-sized bar, in terms of the mixture parameter and the stress gradient characteristic parameter. The effectiveness of the established meshless numerical approach, demonstrating a fast convergence rate and an admissible convergence region, is hence ensured. The established mixture stress gradient theory can effectively characterize the peculiar size-dependent response of functionally graded structural elements of advanced ultra-small systems.