The atomic-scale finite element method for post-bucking of carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This paper employs atomic-scale finite element method to study axial-buckling of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The computed energy curves agree well with molecular dynamics simulations. Both local and global buckling are achieved. The global buckling behavior of SWNT with a larger aspect ratio approaches gradually to that of a column described by Euler’s formula. For double-walled CNTs with smaller ratio of length to outer diameter, the local buckling behavior can be explained by conventional shell theory very well. The bending and torsion buckling of the CNTs is also investigated.