ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES IN COMPRESSION

Quenched molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the el astic behavior of open-ended, free-standing, single wall, carbon nanot ubes. Interatomic interactions are described by a Tersoff-Brenner pote ntial. The tubes' response to axial compression is examined and typica l failure modes as well as stress-strain curves for a number of tube r adii are shown. Data collected are used to calculate Young's modulus f or the tubes and to develop a simple formula that approximates this qu antity over a wide range of tube radii. (C)1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.