Nonlinear finite element analysis of a multiwalled carbon nanotube resting on a Pasternak foundation

ABSTRACT

In conjunction with the Reissner's mixed variational theorem and nonlocal Timoshenko beam theory, we develop a finite element method for the geometrically nonlinear bending analysis of a multiwalled carbon nanotube resting on an elastic foundation and with various boundary conditions. The effects of the van der Waals interaction and the interaction between the multiwalled carbon nanotube and its surrounding medium are considered. Numerical implementation shows that the finite element solutions converge rapidly, and their convergent solutions closely agree with those obtained using the differential quadrature method, based on a strong-form formulation, available in the literature.

KEYWORDS:

• Multiwalled carbon nanotubes
• foundations
• nonlinear bending
• nonlocal mixed Timoshenko beam theory
• Reissner's mixed variational theorem
• van der Waals interaction
• nonlinear FEM

Additional information

Funding

Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of China MOST 106-2221-E-006-036-MY3.