Buckling of embedded multi-walled carbon nanotubes under combined torsion and axial loading (Q996552)

The authors analytically investigate elastic buckling of an embedded multi-walled carbon nanotube (MVCNT) under combined torsion and axial loading taking into account the radial constraint from the surrounding elastic medium and van der Waals force between two adjacent tube walls. Based on the value of the ratio of radius to thickness, the MVCNT under consideration are classified into three cases: thin, thick, and nearly solid. Relevant critical buckling stress and mode are obtained. Numerical results indicate that the buckling mode \((m, n)\) and the associated critical \(0\) shear stress of the nanotubes is unique and it is different from that for axial compression alone. The values of this critical shear stress are dependent on the direction of axial loading (tension or compression) and the dimensions of MWCNTs. However the buckling modes of MWCNTs are governed only by their dimensions. Also the effect of radial constraint from the surrounding elastic medium is dependent on these dimensions.