Theory and modeling of a novel class of nanoplate-based mass sensors with corner point supports

A novel class of nanoplate-based mass sensor with corner point supports for detecting attached nanoparticles is proposed. Exact solutions for vibrations of three types of nanoscale mass sensors are obtained by a symplectic superposition method combining with nonlocal elasticity theory. A comparison between theoretical prediction and FEM simulation is presented and excellent agreement is reported. Influences of design parameters on the frequency shift are investigated. Numerical results show that increasing magnetic field strength and environment temperature can effectively enhance the sensitivity of the mass sensor, and the nanoplate-based sensor point-supported at only one corner is the optimal design.