Predictive first-principles simulations of strain-induced phenomena at water-silica nanotube interfaces

Via ab initio simulation, we study the behavior of interfaces of water with silica nanotubes. We find profound differences between zero and finite tensile strains and between unconfined (exterior) versus confined (interior) water. For these distinct cases, we characterize the fracture dynamics of the silica nanotube and the underlying physical mechanisms. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.