A perturbation analysis in nonlinear free vibration of a microbeam reinforced by shape memory alloy layer based on the modified couple stress theory

Numerous applications have been found in various microelectromechanical systems for shape memory alloys. This study analyzes the nonlinear free vibrations of a sandwiched microbeam, consisting of a shape memory alloy core and two elastic layers on either side. The behavior of the shape memory layer is modeled with the one-dimensional Brinson model. The equation of motion is derived from Hamilton’s principle and the modified couple stress theory for the Euler–Bernoulli beam and then truncated into a reduced-order model through Galerkin’s technique. An approximate analytical solution is obtained using the Lindstedt–Poincare method for different temperatures. The effects of temperature, material length scale parameter, aspect ratio, and maximum vibration amplitude on nonlinear normalized frequency have been investigated. The results have been compared with those of some previous studies and can provide a better understanding of the design of sandwiched microbeams, which have a shape memory alloy layer.