The effective tensile and bending stiffness of nanotube fibers

摘要: Abstract We analyze the pure bending state, preliminarily considering traction problem, for a fiber with circular cross-section composed by monodispersed Nano Tube (NT) segments, whose length is much lower than of fiber, arranged in cross-sectional square lattice, possibly inclined respect to plane. The proposed model accounts compliant shear coupling constituent NTs along their lateral contact surfaces, and considers that position each NT offset neighboring ones fixed distance. shearing permits mobility longitudinal direction, inducing an internal rearrangement, calculated through energy minimization, affects macroscopic response. With micro-macro approach, actions whole are calculated. find uniform axial strain associated constant tensile normal force null moment; correspondingly, curvature provides moment plane force. It then possible consider as equivalent homogeneous beam, effective stiffness can be calculated, finding dependence upon aspect ratio individual and, more important, NTs. interpret recent experimental results.