Size-dependent couple stress Timoshenko beam theory

In this paper, a new size-dependent Timoshenko beam model is developed based on the consistent couple stress theory. In the present formulation, the governing equations and corresponding boundary conditions are obtained. Afterwards, this formulation is used to investigate size-dependency for several elementary beam problems. Analytical solutions are obtained for pure bending of a beam and for a cantilever beam with partially and fully clamped boundary conditions. These analytical results are then compared to the numerical results from a two-dimensional finite element formulation for the corresponding couple stress continuum problem.