Size-dependent thermal buckling analysis of micro composite laminated beams using modified couple stress theory

The thermal effect on size-dependent buckling analysis of micro composite laminated beams is studied based on the modified couple stress theory. The governing equations and boundary conditions are obtained by using the principle of minimum potential energy. The effect of shear deformation is investigated by considering the Euler–Bernoulli, Timoshenko and Reddy beam theories. In addition, the effect of boundary condition by using the hinged–hinged, clamped–hinged and clamped–clamped boundary conditions and the effect of lamination by applying four kinds of cross ply laminate i.e. [0, 0, 0], [0, 90, 0], [90, 0, 90] and [90, 90, 90] are investigated. Using the Fourier series expansions, the governing equations and boundary conditions are solved analytically just for hinged–hinged boundary condition. Also by using the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method, the governing equations and boundary conditions are solved numerically for all of the boundary conditions. Comparison between results obtained by numerical solution, analytical solution and those obtained by literature reveals the accuracy of GDQ method.