Multiple radial corrugations in multiwalled carbon nanotubes under pressure

TL;DR

This study uses continuum elastic theory to analyze how multiwalled carbon nanotubes deform under high pressure, revealing various stable corrugation patterns depending on their dimensions and establishing a phase diagram for predicting these shapes.

Contribution

It introduces a phase diagram linking nanotube dimensions to corrugation patterns, enhancing understanding of their mechanical behavior under pressure.

Findings

Multiple corrugation patterns observed at several GPa pressure.

Stable inner tube symmetry maintained despite external pressure.

Phase diagram predicting corrugation based on tube diameter and wall number.

Abstract

Radial elastic corrugation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes under hydrostatic pressure is demonstrated by using the continuum elastic theory. Various corrugation patterns are observed under a pressure of several GPa, wherein the stable cross-sectional shape depends on the innermost tube diameter D and the total number N of concentric walls. A phase diagram is established to obtain the requisite values of D and N for a desired corrugation pattern among choices. In all corrugation patterns, the cylindrical symmetry of the innermost tube is maintained even under high external pressure.