Highly effective energy dissipation system based on one-dimensionally arrayed short single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

In this paper, the impact energy dissipation characteristics of one-dimensional (1D) short single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) system are investigated via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. It is found that 1D SWNT system has good force mitigation performance and extraordinarily high specific energy absorption (SEA) upon high-speed impact in the absence of plasticity, which is 1 to 2 orders advantageous over macroscale impact protection devices and structures. Moreover, a simple model based on the theorem of momentum can give an accurate prediction of force mitigation effect. The mechanism of this non-plastic impact energy dissipation lies in the transformation of impact energy to the kinetic and potential energy of SWNT molecules. Similar to macroscopic metallic rings, SWNTs can buckle under large force, which in fact enhances force mitigation capability of the system. A continuum model is established, able to predict the critical forces of SWNTs of different radii. Finally, system performance upon impact speeds in a broader range and the influence of parameters such as system length and SWNT radius are discussed. This work may be instructive to the design of novel impact energy mitigation system at nanoscale.