Nanomechanics modeling and simulation of carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been perceived as having a great potential in nanoelectronic and nanomechanical devices. Recent advances of modeling and simulation at the nanoscale have led to a better understanding of the mechanical behaviors of carbon nanotubes. The modeling efforts incorporate atomic features into the continuum or structural mechanics theories, and the numerical simulations feature quantum mechanical approach and classical molecular dynamics. Multiscale and multiphysics modeling and simulation tools have also been developed to effectively bridge the different lengths and time scales, and to link basic scientific research with engineering application. The general approaches of the theoretical and numerical nanomechanics of CNTs are briefly reviewed. This paper is not intended to be a comprehensive review, but to introduce readers (especially those with traditional civil engineering or engineering mechanics backgrounds) to the new, interdisciplinary, or emerging fields in engineering mechanics, in this case the rapidly growing frontier of nanomechanics through the example of carbon nanotubes. © 2008 ASCE.