LAUSR

Abstract Transverse dynamical behaviors of axially moving nanoplates which could be used to model the graphene nanosheets or other plate-like nanostructures with axial motion are examined based on the nonlocal elasticity theory. The Hamilton's principle is employed to derive the multivariable coupling partial differential equations governing the transverse motion of the axially moving nanoplates. Subsequently, the equations are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations by the method of separation of variables. The effects of dimensionless small-scale parameter, axial speed and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies in sub-critical region are discussed by the method of complex mode. Then the Galerkin method is employed to analyze the effects of small-scale parameter on divergent instability and coupled-mode flutter in super-critical region. It is shown that the existence of small-scale parameter contributes to strengthen the stability in the super-critical region, but the stability of the sub-critical region is weakened. The regions of divergent instability and coupled-mode flutter decrease even disappear with an increase in the small-scale parameter. The natural frequencies in sub-critical region show different tendencies with different boundary effects, while the natural frequencies in super-critical region keep constants with the increase of axial speed.