Plane vibrational modes and localized nonlinear excitations in carbon nanotube bundle

Bulk nanomaterials made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess unique physical and mechanical properties that are used in a number of applications, for example, for creating mass or force sensors, protection against shock and vibration. One of the specific implementations of such materials is a CNT bundle in which aligned CNTs are held together due to van der Waals interactions. Linear and nonlinear dynamic excitations in such materials are still poorly understood. Here we study plane waves and spatially localized nonlinear dynamic modes in a CNT bundle under plane strain conditions, when the CNT cross sections completely determine the deformed state of the bundle. In particular, we analyze vibration spectrum of single CNT, dispersion curves of phonons propagating along the close packed direction of CNT bundle, compressive solitons and discrete breathers in the form of single CNT oscillating at large amplitude in the CNT bundle. It is shown that compressive solitons can propagate long distances in the bundles of CNTs having radius no more than about 0.8 nm. Discrete breathers can exist in bundles of CNTs of any radius. The results obtained revealed new channels of energy localization and transport in CNT bundles, which is important for their use in various technologies.

Automated summary

The study investigates the linear and nonlinear dynamic excitations in CNT bundle and reveals the existence of compressive solitons and discrete breathers in the bundle. It also uncovers new channels of energy localization and transport, which are crucial for the use of CNT bundles in various technologies.