Continuum modelling of solids with micro/nanostructures

Abstract

The use of molecular dynamics (MD) to model and analyze the properties of nanostructured materials is very heavy on computing time. In this paper, the framework of continuum theory is extended so that it can capture the properties which are connected to the microstructure or nanostructure, but still maintain its simplicity and efficiency. The key step in this approach is the establishment of a relationship between the local kinematics and the global continuum variables. The developed model is capable of accounting for local deformation of micro/nanostructures. Propagations of harmonic waves of different wavelengths in layered media and lattice systems are considered and the resulting dispersion curves are used to evaluate the accuracy of the continuum model. The model is also employed to study wave reflection and transmission at the boundary of two media with different micro/nanostructures.