Application of exact continuum size-dependent theory for stability and frequency analysis of a curved cantilevered microtubule by considering viscoelastic properties

The stability analysis of cantilevered curved microtubules in axons regarding various size elements and using the generalized differential quadrature method for solving equations is reported. The impacts of covering MAP Tau proteins along with cytoplasm are taken into account as the elastic medium. Curved cylindrical nanoshell considering thick wall is used to model the microtubules. The factor of length scale (l/R = 0.2) used in modified couple stress theory would result in more accuracy when it comes to comparison with experiments, while alternative theories presented in this paper provide less precise outcomes. Due to the reported precise results, at the lower value of the time-dependent viscoelastic factor ( s) by rising the size-dependent factor, the frequency response of the cantilever microtubule increases and this relation between the size-dependent parameter and the structure's natural frequency is changed from direct to indirect for the higher amount of the time-based viscoelastic factor that scientists should attend to this matter when it comes to the microtubule. Furthermore, physical neighboring situations in a cell will be prominent in microtubules' dynamic stability responses, such as membrane and cell-matrix. Since microtubules are likely to be applied as biosensors, this feature could be employed to disclose virulent tumors.

Automated summary

The stability of cantilevered curved microtubules in axons with various size elements was analyzed using the generalized differential quadrature method. The use of a modified couple stress theory with a length scale factor resulted in more accurate results compared to alternative theories. The frequency response of the microtubules was found to increase with a rise in size-dependent factor and changes in the structure's natural frequency in relation to the time-based viscoelastic factor.