Finite Element Modeling Of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube

Abstract

Three-dimensional finite element (FE) model for armchair, zigzag and chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is proposed. The model development is based on the assumption that carbon nanotubes, when subjected to loading, behave like space-frame structures. The bonds between carbon atoms are considered as connecting load-carrying members, while the carbon atoms as joints of the members.To create the FE models, nodes are placed at the locations of carbon atoms and the bonds between them are modeled using three-dimensional elastic beam elements. The elastic moduli of beam elements are determined by using a linkage between molecular and continuum mechanics. The investigation includes armchair and zigzag SWCNTs.
It is found that the choice of Vanderwall forces, the interaction significantly affects the calculation of Young’s modulus. The obtained values of Young’s modulus agree very well with the corresponding theoretical results and many experimental measurements. Dependence of elastic moduli to diameter and length of the nanotubes is also obtained. The presented results demonstrate that the proposed FE model may provide a valuable tool for studying the mechanical behavior of carbon nanotubes and their integration in nanocomposites.
So for we dealt with single walled carbon nanotube, in our case, we are going to consider into doubled walled carbon nanotube generally speaking multi-walled carbon nanotube. The therefore properties so obtained is completely different that of single walled. The DWCNT is then modeled in ANSYS-multiphysics then in is analysed for the mechanical properties using the same. The elements were considered as beam4, it is an uniaxial element with tension, compression, torsion, and bending capabilities. The element has six degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions and rotations about the nodal x, y, and z axes. Stress stiffening and large deflection capabilities are included.
The interaction between the two layers of the MWCNT, the Vanderwalls interation, is considered in the calculation of mechanical parameter .The interation are also made of beam4 element, which researchers have not so far attempted to work on.