Instability of thermally induced vibrations of carbon nanotubes

The dynamical stability of carbon nanotubes embedded in an elastic matrix under time-dependent axial loading is studied in this paper. The effects of van der Waals interaction forces between the inner and outer walls of nanotubes are taken into account. Using continuum mechanics, we apply an elastic layered shell model to solve the transverse parametric vibrations of a carbon nanotube. Both the Gaussian wide-band axial temperature changes and physically realizable temperature changes with known probability distributions are assumed as the tube axial loading. The energy-like functionals are used in the stability analysis. The emphasis is placed on a qualitative analysis of dynamic stability problem. Stability domains in the space of geometric, material and loading parameters are presented in analytical forms.     

Postbuckling prediction of double-walled carbon nanotubes under axial compression

An elastic double-shell model is presented for the buckling and postbuckling of a double-walled carbon nanotube subjected to axial compression. The analysis is based on a continuum mechanics model in which each tube of a double-walled carbon nanotube is described as an individual elastic shell and the interlayer friction is negligible between the inner and outer tubes. The governing equations are based on the Karman–Donnell-type nonlinear differential equations. The van der Waals interaction between the inner and outer nanotubes and the nonlinear prebuckling deformations of the shell are both taken into account. A boundary layer theory of shell buckling is extended to the case of double-walled carbon nanotubes under axial compression. A singular perturbation technique is employed to determine the buckling loads and postbuckling equilibrium paths. Numerical results reveal that the single-walled carbon nanotube and the double-walled carbon nanotube both have an unstable postbuckling behavior.     

Nonlocal shell model for elastic wave propagation in single- and double-walled carbon nanotubes

This paper investigates the transverse and torsional wave in single- and double-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and DWCNTs), focusing on the effect of carbon nanotube microstructure on wave dispersion. The SWCNTs and DWCNTs are modeled as nonlocal single and double elastic cylindrical shells. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations indicate that the wave dispersion predicted by the nonlocal elastic cylindrical shell theory shows good agreement with that of the MD simulations in a wide frequency range up to the terahertz region. The nonlocal elastic shell theory provides a better prediction of the dispersion relationships than the classical shell theory when the wavenumber is large enough for the carbon nanotube microstructure to have a significant influence on the wave dispersion. The nonlocal shell models are required when the wavelengths are approximately less than 2.36×10⁻⁹ and 0.95×10⁻⁹ m for transverse wave in armchair (15,15) SWCNT and torsional wave in armchair (10,10) SWCNT, respectively. Moreover, an MD-based estimation of the scale coefficient e₀ for the nonlocal elastic cylindrical shell model is suggested. Due to the small-scale effects of SWCNTs and the interlayer van der Waals interaction of DWCNTs, the phase difference of the transverse wave in the inner and outer tube can be observed in MD simulations in wave propagation at high frequency. However, the van der Waals interaction has little effect on the phase difference of transverse wave.     

Experimental study on the pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics of tubes with internal wave-like longitudinal fins

Experiments were performed to determine the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics in the entrance and fully developed regions of tubes with internal wave-like longitudinal fins. The test tube has a double-pipe structure, with the inner tube as an insertion. The wave-like fins are in the annulus and span its full width. Experiments were conducted for two cases: one with the inner tube blocked (no air flowing through it) and the other with the inner tube unblocked. The outer tube was electrically heated. Local and average heat transfer coefficients and friction factors were measured. The friction factor and Nusselt number correlations in the fully developed region were obtained in the Reynolds number range of 9×10² to 3.5×10³. It has been found that the wave-like fins enhance heat transfer significantly with the blocked case being superior. In addition, the in-tube heat transfer process is characterized by an earlier transition from laminar to turbulent flow and Reynolds number-dependent thermal entrance length. Received on 12 May 1998     

Axial buckling of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and nanopeapods

In this paper, we investigate both pre- and post-buckling behaviors of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and multi-walled carbon nanopeapods by incorporating into the applied forces of a prescribed beam equation both van der Waals interactions between the adjacent walls of the nanotubes and the interactions between the fullerenes and the inner wall of the nanotube. Two beam theories are employed. First, we utilize Donnell’s equilibrium equation to derive an axial stability condition for the multi-walled carbon nanotubes and multi-walled carbon nanopeapods. We then determine analytically the critical forces for single-walled and double-walled nanotubes and nanopeapods. Given the outer nanotube of a fixed radius, we observe that the critical force and strain derived from the axial buckling stability criterion decrease as a result of the molecular interactions between the adjacent layers of the nanotubes and the molecular interactions between the embedded fullerenes and the inner carbon nanotube, which is in agreement with existing literature. Next, we utilize an Euler–Bernoulli beam equation incorporating the curvature effect to obtain the post-buckled axial bending displacement for the multi-walled nanotubes and nanopeapods. We find that the interactions between molecules generate an inward force, which tends to resist any applied forces. While the inward force induced by the fullerenes to the inner wall of the nanotube vanishes as we increase the applied force, the inward force induced by the layers increases as the applied force increases. The main contribution of this paper is the incorporation of both van der Waals interactions and the curvature effect into prescribed beam theories to accurately measure the critical forces and the buckled displacements of multi-walled nanotubes and nanopeapods subject to a small external force. Our analysis is relevant to future nano devices, such as biological sensors and measuring devices for small forces arising from electrical charges or Casimir forces.     

Strain fields caused by doughnut-like and tubular inclusions with uniform eigenstrains

Inclusion problems for elongated toroidal inclusions are solved to discuss the strain fields caused by eigenstrained doughnut-like and tubular inclusions. For an infinitely long tubular inclusion, uniform eigenstrains do not generate elastic strains in the matrix region inside the tube. Effects of tube length on the elastic strains are shown for the purely dilatational eigenstrain ^*. For the tubular inclusion with the length 2b, the elastic strain at the center of the matrix region inside the tube becomes the maximum as much as ≈(a/b)^* when the tubular inclusion has the inner diameter ≈2(b−a) and the outer diameter ≈2(b+a).     

The effects of chirality and boundary conditions on the mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes

The effects of chirality and boundary conditions on the elastic properties and buckling behavior of single-walled carbon nanotubes are investigated using atomistic simulations. The influences of the tube length and diameter are also included. It is found that the elastic properties of carbon nanotubes at small deformations are insensitive to the tube chirality and boundary conditions during compression. However, for large deformations occurred upon both compression and bending, the tube buckling behavior is shown to be very sensitive to both tube chirality and boundary conditions. Therefore, while the popular continuum thin shell model can be successfully applied to describe nanotube elastic properties at small deformation such as the Young’s modulus, it cannot correctly account for the buckling behavior. These results may allow better evaluation of nanotube mechanical properties via appropriate atomistic simulations.     

Torsional buckling of a double-walled carbon nanotube embedded in an elastic medium

The torsional buckling of a double-walled carbon nanotube embedded in an elastic medium is studied in this paper. The effects of surrounding elastic medium and van der Waals forces between the inner and outer nanotubes are taken into account. Using continuum mechanics, an elastic double-shell model is presented for the torsional buckling of a double-walled carbon nanotube. Based on the model, a condition is derived in terms of the buckling modes of the shell and the parameters describing the effect of van der Waals interaction and surrounding elastic medium. A simplified analysis is also carried out estimate the critical torque for torsional buckling of the double-walled carbon nanotube.     

Buckling of embedded multi-walled carbon nanotubes under combined torsion and axial loading

This paper describes an investigation into elastic buckling of an embedded multi-walled carbon nanotube under combined torsion and axial loading, which takes account of the radial constraint from the surrounding elastic medium and van der Waals force between two adjacent tube walls. Depending on the ratio of radius to thickness, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes discussed here are classified as thin, thick, and nearly solid. Critical buckling load with the corresponding mode is obtained for multi-walled carbon nanotubes under combined torsion and axial loading, with various values of the radius to thickness ratio and surrounded with different elastic media. The study indicates that the buckling mode (m, n) of an embedded multi-walled carbon nanotube under combined torsion and axial loading is unique and it is different from that with axial compression only. New features for the buckling of an embedded multi-walled carbon nanotube under combined torsion and axial loading and the meaningful numerical results are useful in the design of nanodrive device, nanotorsional oscillator and rotational actuators, where multi-walled carbon nanotubes act as basic elements.     

径向压缩单壁碳纳米管的力学行为

寻求具有卓越性能而又易于制造的纳米开关是纳米科技界的一个研究热点. 首先基于碳纳米管的结构双稳性提出了一种纳米开关的原型设计, 其由关到开的转换可通过径向压缩实现; 然后利用基于REBO-II作用势的分子动力学模拟, 系统分析了径向压缩单壁碳纳米管的力学行为和不同纳米管的双稳性特征, 给出了一些纳米管双稳性的特征参数, 对于工程设计具有一定的指导意义.     

双层碳纳米管在扭矩作用下的屈曲

考虑双层碳纳米管层间范德华力的作用,利用连续介质力学的壳体理论,建立了扭矩作用下碳纳米管屈曲问题的双层弹性壳体模型,给出了相应的临界屈曲扭矩,分析了双层碳纳米管层间范德华力对临界屈曲扭矩的影响。     

FREE TRANSVERSE VIBRATIONS OF A DOUBLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBE：GRADIENT AND INTERNAL INERTIA EFFECTS

This is a modest contribution on higher-order continuum theory for predicting size effects in small-scale objects. It relates to a preceding article of the journal by the same authors（AMSS, 2013, 26： 9-20） which considered the longitudinal dynamical analysis of a gradient elastic fiber but, in addition to an internal length, an internal time parameter is also introduced to model delay/acceleration effects associated with the underlying microstructure. In particular, the free transverse vibration of a double-walled carbon nanotube（DWNT） is studied by employing gradient elasticity with internal inertia. The inner and outer carbon nanotubes are modeled as two individual elastic beams interacting with each other through van der Waals（vdW） forces. General explicit expressions are derived for the natural frequencies and the associated inner-to-outer tube amplitude ratios for the case of simply supported DWNTs. The effects of internal length（or scale）and internal time（or inertia） on the vibration behavior are evaluated. The results indicate that the internal length and time parameters of the adopted strain gradient-internal inertia generalized elasticity model have little influence on the lower order coaxial and noncoaxial vibration modes,but a significant one on the higher order modes.     

Nonlinear finite element analysis for vibrations of double-walled carbon nanotubes

The large-amplitude free vibration analysis of double-walled carbon nanotubes embedded in an elastic medium is investigated by means of a finite element formulation. A double-beam model is utilized in which the governing equations of layers are coupled with each other via the van der Waals interlayer forces. Von-Karman type nonlinear strain-displacement relationships are employed where the ends of the nanotube are constrained to move axially. The amplitude-frequency response curves for large-amplitude free vibrations of single-walled and double-walled carbon nanotubes with arbitrary boundary conditions are graphically illustrated. The effects of material constant of the surrounding elastic medium and the geometric parameters on the vibration characteristics are investigated. For a double-walled carbon nanotube with different boundary conditions between inner and outer tubes, the nonlinear frequencies are obtained apparently for the first time. Comparison of the results with those from the open literature is made for the amplitude-frequency curves where possible. This comparison illustrates that the present scheme yields very accurate results in predicting the nonlinear frequencies.     

Analytical and numerical techniques to predict carbon nanotubes properties

In this paper, two different approaches for modeling the behaviour of carbon nanotubes are presented. The first method models carbon nanotubes as an inhomogeneous cylindrical network shell using the asymptotic homogenization method. Explicit formulae are derived representing Young’s and shear moduli of single-walled nanotubes in terms of pertinent material and geometric parameters. As an example, assuming certain values for these parameters, the Young’s modulus was found to be 1.71 TPa, while the shear modulus was 0.32 TPa. The second method is based on finite element models. The inter-atomic interactions due to covalent and non-covalent bonds are replaced by beam and spring elements, respectively, in the structural model. Correlations between classical molecular mechanics and structural mechanics are used to effectively model the physics governing the nanotubes. Finite element models are developed for single-, double- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The deformations from the finite element simulations are subsequently used to predict the elastic and shear moduli of the nanotubes. The variation of mechanical properties with tube diameter is investigated for both zig-zag and armchair configurations. Furthermore, the dependence of mechanical properties on the number of nanotubules in multi-walled structures is also examined. Based on the finite element model, the value for the elastic modulus varied from 0.9 to 1.05 TPa for single and 1.32 to 1.58 TPa for double/multi-walled nanotubes. The shear modulus was found to vary from 0.14 to 0.47 TPa for single-walled nanotubes and 0.37 to 0.62 for double/multi-walled nanotubes.     

Measurement of Residual Stresses in Nuclear-grade Zircaloy-4(R) Tubes—Effect of Heat Treatment

Nuclear-grade Zircaloy-4(R) tubes are produced by a unique manufacturing process known as pilgering, which leaves the material in a work-hardened state containing a pattern of residual stresses. Moreover, such tubes exhibit elastic anisotropy as a result of the pilgering process. Therefore, standard equations originally proposed by Sachs (Z Met Kd, 19: 352–357, 1927; Sachs, Espey, Iron Age, 148: 63–71, 1941). for isotropic materials do not apply in this situation. Voyiadjis et al. (Exp Mech, 25: 145–147, 1985) proposed a set of equations for treating elastically anisotropic materials, but we have determined that there are discrepancies in their equations. In this paper, we present the derivation for a set of new equations for treating elastically anisotropic materials, and the application of these equations to residual stress measurements in Zr-4(R) tubes. To this end, through thickness distribution of residual stress components in as-received and heat treated (500°C) Zr-4(R) tubes was measured employing the Sachs’ boring-out technique in conjunction with electrochemical machining as the means of material removal, and our new equations. For both as-received and the heat treated materials, the axial and tangential residual stresses were significantly higher than the radial and shear residual stresses. The largest residual stress was the tangential stress component in the as-received material, showing a tensile value at the outer surface and a compressive value at the inner surface. At high values of von Mises equivalent stress, the principal directions of residual stress coincided with the principal axes of the tube for the as-received material, as well as for the material heat treated at 500°C.     

Dynamic torsional buckling of a double-walled carbon nanotube embedded in an elastic medium

An elastic double-shell model based on continuum mechanics is presented to study the dynamic torsional buckling of an embedded double-walled carbon nanotube. Based on the presented model, a condition is derived to predict the buckling load of the embedded double-walled nanotube, and the effect of the van der Waals forces to the buckling load is discussed when an inner nanotube is inserted into an embedded outer one. In particular, the paper shows that the buckling load of the embedded double-walled nanotube is always between that of the isolated inner nanotube and that of the embedded outer nanotube for both dynamic and static torsional buckling, due to the effect of the van der Waals forces. This result is different from that obtained by the existing analysis neglecting the difference of the radii for the embedded double-walled nanotube, which indicates that disregarding the difference of the radii of multi-walled nanotubes cannot properly describe the effect of the van der Waals forces between interlayer spacing. In particular, for static torsional buckling of a double-walled nanotube, it is shown that the critical buckling load cannot only be enhanced, but also be reduced when inserting an inner nanotube into an isolated single-walled one. Additionally, it is shown that the elastic medium always increases the critical buckling load of double-walled nanotubes. The critical buckling load of embedded double-walled nanotubes for dynamic torsional buckling is proved to be no less than that for static torsional buckling.     

DYNAMIC BUCKLING OF DOUBLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES UNDER STEP AXIAL LOAD

An approximate method is presented in this paper for studying the dynamic buckling of double-walled carbon nanotubes （DWNTs） under step axial load. The analysis is based on the continuum mechanics model, which takes into account the van der Waals interaction between the outer and inner nanotubes. A buckling condition is derived, from which the critical buckling load and associated buckling mode can be determined. As examples, numerical results are worked out for DWNTs under fixed boundary conditions. It is shown that, due to the effect of van der Waals forces, the critical buckling load of a DWNT is enhanced when inserting an inner tube into a single-walled one. The paper indicates that the critical buckling load of DWNTs for dynamic buckling is higher than that for static buckling. The effect of the radii is also examined. In addition, some of the results are compared with the previous ones.     

Shear of rubber tube springs

Rubber tube springs consist basically of cylindrical rubber tubes bonded on their inner and outer curved surfaces to rigid cylindrical tubes. They are widely used as flexible linkages, for example in vehicle suspensions. Rotation of one rigid tube with respect to the other about their common axis subjects the rubber tube to azimuthal shear. Displacement of one rigid tube with respect to the other along their common axis puts the rubber tube into axial shear. Using FEA, we have calculated the stresses set up in both cases, for a long rubber tube of a non-linearly elastic (neo-Hookean) material. The results are compared for the two modes of deformation, and with analytical predictions where available. For a long tube the shear stresses are substantially independent of the end conditions, but the normal stresses are strongly affected, as found previously for sheared rectangular blocks [A.N. Gent, J.B. Suh, S.G. Kelly III, Mechanics of rubber shear springs, Int. J. Nonlinear Mech. 42 (2007) 241-249]. If the end surfaces are stress-free, unexpectedly large normal stresses are generated, even in azimuthal shear. These high tensile stresses are attributed to restraints at the inner and outer cylindrical boundaries that compensate for the absence of stresses on the end surfaces that would be needed to maintain a simple shear deformation. Thus, the boundary conditions affect the stresses everywhere (in contrast to an “end effect” that would diminish away from the ends). Small departures from complete incompressibility are found to lower the internal stresses markedly, and even cause the sign of the stresses to be reversed.     

Mechanics of deformation of single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes

An effective continuum/finite element (FE) approach for modeling the structure and the deformation of single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is presented. Individual tubes are modeled using shell elements, where a specific pairing of elastic properties and mechanical thickness of the tube wall is identified to enable successful modeling with shell theory. The incorporation and role of an initial internal distributed stress through the thickness of the wall, due to the cylindrical nature of the tube, are discussed. The effects of van der Waals forces, crucial in multi-wall nanotubes and in tube/tube or tube/substrate interactions, are simulated by the construction of special interaction elements.The success of this new CNT modeling approach is verified by first comparing simulations of deformation of single-wall nanotubes with molecular dynamics results available in the literature. Simulations of final deformed configurations, as well strain energy histories, are in excellent agreement with the atomistic models for various deformations. The approach was then applied to the bending of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and the deformed configurations were compared to corresponding high-resolution images from experiments. The proposed approach successfully predicts the experimentally observed wavelengths and shapes of the wrinkles that develop in bent MWNTs, a complex phenomenon dominated by inter-layer interactions. Presented results demonstrate that the proposed FE technique could provide a valuable tool for studying the mechanical behavior of MWNTs as single entities, as well as their effectiveness as load-bearing entities in nanocomposite materials.     

基于非局部效应和表面效应的输流碳纳米管稳定性分析简

应用非局部黏弹性夹层梁模型分析双参数弹性介质中输送脉动流碳纳米管的稳定性. 新模型中同时考虑了由管道内、外壁上的薄表面层引起的表面弹性效应和表面残余应力，经典的欧拉梁模型因此通过引入非局部参数和表面参数得到了改进. 用平均法对其控制方程进行求解，得到了管道稳定性区域. 数值算例揭示了纳米材料的非局部效应、表面效应及两个弹性介质参数对管道固有频率、临界流速和动态稳定性的复杂影响，结论可为纳米流体机械的结构设计和振动分析提供理论基础.