Abstract
Due to their outstanding mechanical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are very promising materials for further applications in the field of lightweight construction. Carbon nanotube fibers, whose structure consists of a multitude of load-bearing carbon nanotube bundles interconnected by threads, are an excellent possibility to utilize these properties as engineering material. In the present research, a new method for the prediction of the mechanical properties of carbon nanotube bundles is presented. Within this, the complex structure is transformed into a simplified model based on suitable assumptions. Several parameters of the bundle are taken into account such as different types of nanotubes and various nanotube lengths. The model is applied to different configurations of carbon nanotube bundles by using a molecular mechanics approach. The interactions between the nanotubes are investigated by analyzing the Lennard–Jones potential in a virtual tensile loading test. For different configurations, the resulting forces and stresses are obtained. The results give a clear insight into the influencing parameters and demonstrate their effect on the mechanical behavior. In conclusion, the present approach is an excellent method to analyze the mechanical behavior of CNT bundles.
Highlights
The singular mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have opened many areas of application
We investigate different types of nanotubes in order to create a realistic model of a CNT bundle
Following the work of Yang et al [8], this can be seen as the starting point of the plastic stage of the mechanical behavior of the model
Summary
The singular mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have opened many areas of application. Simulation approaches are a powerful and efficient tool for investigations of the mechanical behavior of complex structures like individual carbon nanotubes or CNT assemblies; see, e.g., Eberhardt and Wallmersperger [9,10], and Talukdar et al [11]. The mechanical behavior of a CNT bundle is investigated numerically in order to observe the parameters that influence the mechanical properties. The present modeling approach is situated between the detailed consideration of an atomistic model and the macroscopic modeling of an entire fiber It uses a rigid structure model including all atoms of a single carbon nanotube and assembles several of these nanotubes together to form a bundle.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
