Nonlinear analysis of a SWCNT over a bundle of nanotubes

The deformation of a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) interacting with a curved bundle of nanotubes is analyzed. The SWCNT is modeled as a straight elastic inextensible beam based on small deformation. The bundle of nanotubes is assumed rigid and the interaction is due to the van der Waals forces. An analytical solution is obtained using a bilinear approximation to the van der Waals forces. The analytical results are in good agreement with the results of two numerical methods. The results indicate that the SWCNT remains near the curved bundle provided that its curvature is below a critical value. For curvatures above this critical value the SWCNT breaks contact with the curved bundle and nearly returns to its straight position. A parameter study shows that the critical curvature depends on the stiffness of the SWCNT and the absolute minimum energy associated with the van der Waals forces but it is independent of the SWCNT's length in general. An analytical estimate of the critical curvature is developed. The results of this study may be applicable to composites of nanotubes where separation phenomena are suspected to occur.