Vibration analysis of fluid-conveying nanotubes with consideration of surface effects

An analytical model for predicting surface effects on the free vibration of fluid-conveying nanotubes is developed based on the non-local elasticity theory. In the new model, the effects of both inner and outer surface layers on the nanotubes are taken into consideration. The results show that the surface effects with positive elastic constant or positive residual surface tension tend to increase the natural frequency and critical flow velocity. For small tube thickness or large aspect ratio, the stability of the nanotubes will be greatly enhanced due to the surface effect. This study may be useful to accurately measure the vibration characteristics of fluid-conveying nanotubes and to design nanofluidic devices.