Buckling of Carbon Nanotubes: a Molecular Static Approach

Abstract

Axially loaded cylindrical continuous shells collapse either globally like a rod (Euler buckling), or locally (local shell wall buckling), depending on the ratio of the length of the shell over the diameter [1]. There are many published investigations, which show that this behaviour is also true for Carbon Nanotubes CNTs [2]. In this work a systematic analysis of the problem is given in the framework of molecular statics. This approach has the advantage of taking care of the discrete structure of CNTs. The covalent bonds of the hexagonal carbon network are modelled as nonlinear springs, and the compressive load is applied quasistatically, excluding follower forces. The software package LAMMPS [3] offers the AIREBO potential [4] and is suitable for describing CNTs. To identify the stability boundary in the parameter plane, LAMMPS is extended to compute the definiteness of the Hessian.

Buckling Behaviour of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Under Axial Loading

“…In this note, motivated by potential applications of these interesting materials [11], we examine a critical value of axial loading which leads to local buckling instability for a single walled carbon nanotube.…”