Longitudinal wave propagation in multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The longitudinal wave propagation in multiwalled carbon nanotubes is investigated using the nonlocal elasticity theory. A multiwalled rod model is proposed in the formulation. The van der Waals force is considered in the axial direction. The effect of various parameters like the radius of nanotubes, van der Waals forces and nonlocal parameters on the longitudinal wave propagation in multiwalled carbon nanotubes is discussed. It is obtained that different axial relative motion may exist in doublewalled carbon nanotubes. The present results can be useful in the design of nanoscale linear motors, oscillators and similar nanoscale electromechanical systems. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.