Mechanical Properties of the nanopin based on Y-junction carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The geometry optimization and the shear performance of the nanopins based on the Y-junction carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are investigated by using the classical molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that the service performance of the nanopin is not sensitive to the length of the inserting end while the maximum unloading force increases firstly and then keeps relatively stable as the height of the branch tube increases. The overlong inserting end and high branch tube can result in the severe oscillation in unloading force since the continuous morphology change. The relatively small angle included in Y-junction CNTs can contribute to both of the fixity of the nanopin and instability of the uninstallation processes. The orientation of the branch tubes of the nanopin determines the maximum shear performance. The radial stability of the CNTs plays an important role in the shear performance of the nanopin. The findings may be helpful to design and manufacturing of the CNT-based nano-apparatus.