Molecular structural mechanics applied to coiled carbon nanotubes

► A molecular structural mechanics model is applied to coiled carbon nanotube (CCNT). ► The sophisticated spatial structure of CCNT is constructed through a three-step procedure from grapheme sheet. ► The constructed CCNTs are subjected to axial loading and their spring constants are found. ► The spring constant of the CCNTs is found to increase steadily with increasing the diameter of the tube.