Elastic moduli of carbon nanotubes with new geometry based on FEM

In this paper, the elastic moduli of elliptic single walled carbon nanotubes (ESWCNTs) are described. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model for such carbon nanotubes is proposed. The covalent bonds are simulated by beam elements in the FE model. The elastic moduli of beam elements are ascertained from a linkage between molecular and continuum mechanics. The deformations of the FE model are subsequently used to predict the elastic moduli of ESWCNTs. In order to demonstrate the FE performance, the influence of length, chirality, diameter and cross sectional aspect ratios on the elastic moduli (Young’s modulus and shear modulus) of ESWCNTs is investigated. It is found that the cross sectional aspect ratio of ESWCNTs significantly affects the elastic moduli. With increasing cross sectional aspect ratio, the Young’s modulus and shear modulus decrease. As a result, every change in geometry operates as a defect and decreases the elastic moduli. With increasing the length, Young’s modulus increases and the shear modulus decreases.