Numerical modeling of a CNT–Cu coaxial nanowire in a vacuum to determine the thermal conductivity

Abstract

A molecular dynamics simulation is created to predict the thermal conductivity of a (7,7) single wall carbon nanotube filled with a copper nanowire for lengths ranging from 9.957nm to 63.091nm. In the simulations, a temperature difference is created using Nose–Hoover thermostats at the two ends with 320K and 280K. The thermal conductivity of the carbon nanotube–copper nanowire nanostructure is calculated to be 24% higher than that of a corresponding pure single wall carbon nanotube and estimated to be 40% lower than that of a pure copper nanowire.