Torsional stability of carbon nanotubes filled with copper atoms

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are frequently used as torsional devices in nanoelectromechanical systems; thus it is necessary to gain a thorough understanding of the mechanical behavior of tubes under torsion. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to investigate the torsional buckling of single-walled CNTs completely filled with copper atoms. Results show that, due to metal filling, the torsional rigidity of tubes can be dramatically enhanced and the critical torsional angles of filled tubes can be 2–4 times as high as those of empty ones. Furthermore, due to structural asymmetry in chiral metal-filled tubes, there exists a dependence of the torsional behavior on loading directions. The torsional response of metal-filled tubes is dependent on both tube chirality and loading direction. The microstructure of metal atoms may have a strong influence on the mechanical deformation of metal-filled tubes. These results can provide useful guidelines on the application of CNTs as torsional devices, especially in the case where high torsional stability is required.

Torsional Characteristics of Single Walled Carbon Nanotube with Water Interactions by Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation

“…This observation is consistent with the results reported in earlier studies of Ref. [16,17] for the case of SWCNTs interacting with various gases and metals. For the case of freeform SWCNTs, the torsional stiffness of (10, 10) SWCNT has increased by 670% compared to that of (5, 5) SWCNT.…”

“…It can be noted from this figure that the maximum torque decreases while the torsional angle increases with the aspect ratio of the SWCNT, which is similar to results reported previously Ref. [15,16]. This is because SWCNTs with small aspect ratio are stocky and would require larger torque while SWCNTs with large aspect ratio are slender and can be twisted easily to large angles.…”

“…Their investigations revealed that the torsional responses of SWC-NTs will be distinct which depends on the density and nature of the filling material. In addition, the torsional characteristics of CNTs filled with metals such as copper [16] and silicon atoms [17] have also been studied in the literature.…”

Torsional Characteristics of SingleWalled Carbon Nanotube with Water Interactions by Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation

“…13 that prior to torsion, the fully-filled SWCNT can withstand more torque compared to that of an empty and half-filled SWCNT. This observation is consistent with the earlier reports of the torsional response of SWCNTs filled with SWCNTs [15], gases [17] and metals [16]. It is worth noting that when torsional strain is about 0.06, there is a sudden drop in torque of a fully-filled SWCNT in contrast to that of the empty and half-filled SWCNTs.…”

“…Their investigations revealed that the torsional responses of SWCNTs will be distinct which depends on the density and nature of the filling material. In addition, the torsional characteristics of CNTs filled with metals such as copper [16] and silicon atoms [17] have also been studied in the literature.…”