Nano-indentation of circular graphene flakes

TL;DR

This study uses Molecular Dynamics simulations to analyze nano-indentation on circular graphene flakes, confirming the applicability of continuum elasticity theory and matching experimental results, with insights into vibrational behavior.

Contribution

It demonstrates that nonlinear continuum elasticity theory accurately describes nano-indentation in circular graphene flakes, validated by Molecular Dynamics simulations and experimental data.

Findings

Force-displacement curves match experimental results

Vibration frequency behaves sinusoidally at small sizes

Force-displacement is temperature independent

Abstract

Nano-indentation of circular graphene flakes are studied by using Molecular Dynamics simulation. We show that the theory of continuum elasticity based on nonlinear F\"{o}pple-Hencky equations is applicable on a circular suspended graphene flake. Our simulation results are plenty compatible to those results calculated by the nonlinear elasticity theory. We find the force-displacement curves in good agreement with the recent experimental measurements and conclude they are temperature independent. In addition, we find the vibration frequency for such a system and monitor that it behaves as a sinusoidal manner at small circular graphene size.