Fracture Size Effects in Nanoscale Materials: The Case of Graphene

Abstract

Nanoscale materials can be extremely strong compared to their bulk forms, but this strength can be accompanied by significant sample-to-sample fluctuations. The authors combine simulations and analytical theory to describe the size-dependent distribution of fracture strength in defective graphene flakes, highlighting their differences from systems of macroscopic extent. This understanding may be important for controlling thermally activated failure in nano- and micromechanical systems.