Abstract
Carbon nanotubes are expected as a highly functional material, such as nano-electronics, flat panel display and the cable of the space elevator. Its unique structure results in the strongest mechanical strength. However, mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes, which is sensitive to the diameter and helicity of the tube, have not been fully understood. In this paper, mechnical properties of carbon nanotubes are investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. Results show that an armchair nanotube is stronger than a zigzag nanotube for a tensile test. Contrary to this, a zigzag nanotube is stronger than an armchair nanotube for a compressive test. According to a multiwalled effect, a multiwalled nanotubbe is stronger than a single-walled nanotube for a tensile test. In spite of this, a smaller nanotube is stronger than larger one for a compressive test.
