Mechanosensing of a Graphene Flake on a Bent Beam

The ability of mechanosensing is essential for intelligent systems. Here we show by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that a graphene flake on a bent beam exhibits amazing mechanosensing behavior, termed flexotaxis. The graphene flake can perceive the beam bending gradient which indeed leads to a gradient of atomic density that produces a driving force on the flake toward the direction of increasing density. An analytical model is developed to further confirm the mechanism, and the simulation results can be well reproduced by the model. Our findings may have general implications not only for the potential applications of graphene as sensing elements in nanoscale intelligent devices but also for the exploration of mechanosensing capability of other two-dimensional materials.

Automated summary

Graphene on a bent beam demonstrates flexotaxis mechanosensing behavior, perceiving the beam bending gradient and creating a gradient of atomic density. An analytical model confirms the mechanism and simulates the results accurately, showing potential applications for graphene in nanoscale intelligent devices and exploration of mechanosensing capabilities in other two-dimensional materials.