Modeling the size dependent pull-in instability of cantilever nano-switch immersed in ionic liquid electrolytes using strain gradient theory

Abstract

It is well recognized that size-e ect often plays a signi cant role in the mechanical performance of nano-structures. Herein, strain gradient continuum elasticity is employed to investigate the size dependent pull-in instability of the cantilever nanoactuators immersed in ionic liquid electrolyte. The presence of dispersion forces, i.e. Casimir and van der Waals eld, is considered in the theoretical model as well as the double-layer electrochemical attraction. To solve the non-linear constitutive equation of the system, two approaches, i.e. the Rayleigh Ritz Method (RRM) and the numerical solution method, are employed. Impact of the size dependency and dispersion forces on the instability characteristics are discussed as well as the e ect of ion concentration in liquid.