Nonlinear normal modes, resonances and energy exchange in single-walled carbon nanotubes

The nonlinear resonance interaction and energy exchange between bending and circumferential flexure modes in single-walled carbon nanotubes is studied. First, the results of an analytical model of the resonance interaction between the considered nonlinear normal modes previously developed are reported. This approach was based on a reduced form of the Sanders–Koiter thin shell theory obtained by using simplifying hypotheses on the shell deformations. The analytical model predicted that the nonlinear resonance interaction leads to energy localization in a certain coherence domain over the carbon nanotube surface within a specific range of the initial oscillation amplitude. Then, a numerical model of the resonance interaction between the analysed nonlinear normal modes in the framework of the complete Sanders–Koiter thin shell theory is reported. Numerical simulations are performed to verify the energy localization phenomenon over the carbon nanotube surface and to compute the threshold values of the initial oscillation amplitude giving rise to energy localization. Finally, from the comparison between the two different approaches, it is obtained that the results of the numerical model for the threshold values of the nonlinear energy localization confirm with very good accuracy the predictions of the analytical model. •The resonance interactions between nonlinear normal modes in CNTs are analysed.•Numerical simulations based on complete Sanders–Koiter shell theory are performed.•The energy exchange between two coherence domains on the CNT surface is studied.•Two values of energy localization threshold on one coherence domain are obtained.•The numerical values confirm the results of a previously developed analytic study.