Nonlocal integral thermoelasticity: a thermodynamic framework for functionally graded beams

Abstract: An effective nonlocal integral formulation for functionally graded Bernoulli-Euler beams in nonisothermal environment is developed. Both thermal and mechanical loadings are accounted for. The proposed model, of stress-driven integral type, is shown to be governed by a thermodynamically consistent differential problem with proper constitutive boundary conditions. The new thermoelastic strategy is illustrated by investigating a set of examples. It is demonstrated that in nonisothermal statically indeterminate problems rather complex structural behaviours can appear and that both the shift of the neutral surface and nonlocality have a dominating influence at small-scales.