Modeling the join curve between two co-axial carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Making use of an applied mathematical model, we employ a calculus of variations technique to join two co-axial nanotubes. Due to the axial symmetry of the tubes, the three-dimensional problem can be reduced to a problem in two dimensions. The curvature squared for the join region is minimized for a prescribed join length and given tube radii. In this model, a certain non-dimensional parameter B arises, which approximately has the same numerical value when compared with the standard method for the joining between any two carbon nanotubes of different radii. This value occurs in consequence of adopting an angle of inclination of 9.594°, which occurs in the conventional method for joining two carbon nanotubes of different radii and which is necessary to accommodate a single pentagon. The simple calculus of variations model described here provides a general framework to connect nanotubes or other nanostructures.