Mechanics of carbon nanotubes a review of basic models and new nanoscale effects

Abstract

This chapter reviews basic models and new effects in the still emerging field of Nanoscale Mechanics and one of its essential parts: Mechanics of Carbon Nanotubes. Experiments with carbon nanotubes, theoretical models and modeling (i.e., molecular dynamics simulations), classification of carbon nanotubes into four classes (i.e., thin and thick lattice shells, long high-aspect-ratio nanotubes and beam-like carbon nanotube crystals of small radii) have been reviewed. Classification of carbon nanotubes is important for the safety of nanotechnology and evaluation of health effects. Interfacial sliding of the adjacent lattice shells in the multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) has been discussed along with a nanoscale analog of the Newton's friction law and the effect of spatial exclusion of electrons (ESEE) at the interface, which effectively can be viewed as a nanoscale analog of the Pauli's exclusion principle. Examples of lattice waves, i.e., phonons, in carbon nanotubes have been presented. Ranges of applicability of estimates for the effective thickness of carbon nanotubes varying between 0.66 and 3.4 Å have been examined along with their dependence on the balance between the elastic interactions and van der Waals forces.