A molecular structural mechanics model applied to the static behavior of single-walled carbon nanotubes: New general formulation

► Analytical expressions for a MSM model have been derived through an energy approach. ► Our approach reproduces any load condition with no need of additional equations. ► The preenergy is explicitly included through a system of initial strains. ► A detailed comparison between two interatomic potential functions has been performed. ► Continuum models are not applicable because they do not treat the atomistic detail.