Nanoscale vibration characterization of multi-layered graphene sheets embedded in an elastic medium

Detailed studies on the nanoscale vibration characteristics of multi-layered graphene sheets (MLGSs) that are embedded in an elastic medium are carried out using continuum-based modelling and Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method. Natural frequencies and their associated vibration modes of practical interest of single-layered and triple-layered graphene sheets, as well as general MLGSs that are embedded in an elastic medium are established. Numerical simulations are conducted to examine the effects of van der Waals (vdW) interactions, which are present as bonding forces between the layers, on nanoscale vibration natural frequencies and their mode shapes. The results show that for a general MLGSs embedded in an elastic medium, vibration modes can in general be classified into three families – lower classical synchronized modes which are independent of van der Waals forces and are somewhat sensitive to the surrounding elastic medium, middle van der Waals enhanced modes which are largely determined by the presence of van der Waals interactions and are hence less sensitive to the changes of the surrounding elastic medium, and higher mixed modes which are combinations of classical synchronized modes and van der Waals enhanced modes. Detailed characterizations of these modes from their derived mode shapes have been achieved for the typical case of an embedded triple-layered GSs, as well as general embedded MLGSs. Effects of Winkler modulus KW, the shear layer modulus Gb, different boundary conditions, aspect ratio β and the number L of graphene layers on nanoscale vibration properties have been examined in detail. The results presented in this paper, for the first time, provide accurate and wholesome studies and characterizations on the interesting nanoscale vibration properties of multi-layered graphene sheets embedded in an elastic medium and the results obtained will certainly be useful to those who are concerned with the dynamics of embedded graphene sheets which are increasingly being deployed for various innovative engineering applications such as nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS).

► Graphene sheets are newly emerged nanostructural elements with huge engineering promise and potential.
► Vibration properties of grapheme sheets embedded in elastic medium are important for their dynamic performance.
► Important and interesting vibration characteristics of embedded MLGSs are established and analyzed accurately.
► Van der Waals interactions and their effect on vibration of embedded MLGSs are properly modelled and examined.
► Effect of various physical parameters on vibrations of embedded MLGSs is established.