Nonlocal beam model for axial buckling of carbon nanotubes with surface effect

Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology - Guangzhou, 510640, PRC

^(a) yaoxh@scut.edu.cn

Received: 21 March 2012
Accepted: 15 August 2012

Abstract

Small-size effect and surface effect are two of the most specific intrinsic properties of nanostructures, both of which are of great significance to the related applications. In this letter, the nonlocal Euler-Bernoulli beam model, together with surface elasticity and surface tension are implemented to investigate the buckling behavior of axially compressed carbon nanotubes. Explicit expression of solutions to the critical buckling loads corresponding to typical boundary conditions is presented. Through contrast to molecular dynamics results, it is vitally important to note that both small-size effect and surface effect have a profound consequence and should be taken into account thoroughly.