Strain and pressure sensing using single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

In this study, single-walled carbon nanotube-based sensors are proposed for measuringstrain and pressure at the nanoscale. The principle of sensing is based on the resonantfrequency shift of a carbon nanotube resonator when it is subjected to a strain resultingfrom external loading. The carbon nanotube in a bridged configuration is simulated byatomistic modelling, the molecular structural mechanics method. The resonant frequencyshifts are shown to be linearly dependent on the applied axial strain and the appliedpressure. The sensitivities of nanotube-based sensors are enhanced with the reduction oftube length and tube diameter, respectively, for axial strain and pressure sensing.