The torsional mechanical properties of copper nanowires supported by carbon nanotubes

The torsional mechanical properties of hollow Cu nanowires supported by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are studied by all atoms molecular dynamic simulation. It is found that the critical angles of Cu nanowires almost do not decrease when the temperature increases to a limit value, and this invariant feature also has been found as the torsional loading rate is lower than 4.5×1012°s−1. Due to the support of CNTs, Cu nanowires can bear larger torsional angle at low torsional rates and high temperatures compared with those without CNTs, which means the CNTs will increase the torsion-tolerance of Cu nanowires.