Coupled longitudinal-transverse behaviour of a geometrically imperfect microbeam

Based on the modified couple stress theory, the coupled longitudinal-transverse nonlinear behaviour of an imperfect microbeam is investigated numerically. The equations governing the longitudinal and transverse motions are obtained using Hamilton's principle for the system with an initial geometric imperfection. The Galerkin scheme is employed to discretize the two partial differential equations of motion, yielding a set of second-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations with coupled terms. This set is cast into new set of first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations and solved by means of the pseudo-arclength continuation technique. The nonlinear resonant response of the system along with bifurcations are presented via frequency-response curves. Moreover, the effect of different system parameter on the frequency-response curves is highlighted. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.