Nanomechanics of imperfectly straight single walled carbon nanotubes under axial compression by using molecular dynamics simulation

► We observed that curved CNTs such as the 'C' and 'S' shaped CNTs, will reduce the critical strain and buckling load. ► P-P, C-C, and S-S bundles show improved buckling loads but with lower critical strains. ► We found that a non-uniform CNT bundle like P-C, P-S, and C-S bundle have a strong effect on the buckling properties. ► For example, a C-S bundle will have a lower critical strain and buckling load compared to the C-C bundle. ► We deduce that the 'S' shaped SWCNT has the most prominent weakening effect on the performance of the bundle.