The Ultimate Strength of Carbon Nanotubes

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SSCP 9710489 Bernholc The objective of this study is to explore fundamental chemical and physical phenomena that influence the ultimate mechanical properties and limits of nanotube-based materials. Recent advances in theoretical methods and supercomputers make simulations of breakage and failure mechanisms feasible. In the simulations to be undertaken, the length of a nanotube fragment consisting of several hundred atoms will be slowly increased until breakage. The results of these simulations will identify atomistic and electronic mechanisms of failure, and provide quantitatively reliable estimates of the strength of nanotubes and their temperature dependence. %%% New evidence suggests that carbon nanotubes are the strongest materials known, potentially enabling unique applications in many areas critical to the U.S. economy. This research will involve direct measurements of the strength of nanotube ropes using micromanipulators. The results will provide the foundation for research and development of nanotube based superstrong materials and their applications ***