Mechanics of concentric carbon nanotubes: Interaction force and suction energy

Based on the continuum approximation together with Lennard–Jones potential, a new semi-analytical method is developed to determine the van der Waals interaction between two single-walled carbon nanotubes. Neglecting the frictional effects, acceptance condition and suction energy for an inner tube entering semi-infinite outer ones are obtained and nature of interaction force is investigated. The maximum suction energy configurations are found by netting analysis. Using this procedure, the optimum configurations are obtained to minimize the potential energy. Also, a universal potential curve is presented for an inner tube entering various semi-infinite outer ones. Finally, on the basis of the direct method, suction energy and acceptance condition are obtained for multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Research highlights▸ Mechanics of concentric carbon nanotubes is investigated. ▸ A new semi-analytical method is developed to determine the van der Waals interaction between tubes. ▸ The acceptance condition of inner tube by the outer one is physically investigated. ▸ The suction energy of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is investigated. ▸ A new universal potential for DWCNTs and MWCNTs is presented which is independent of tubes radii.