Nanomechanics of silicon nanowires

The stability and elasto-mechanical properties of tetragonal and cagelike or clathrate nanowires of Si are investigated and compared using molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that cagelike nanowires, while possessing lesser density, are able to maintain their structural integrity over a larger range of strain conditions than the tetrahedral nanowires, making them a better candidate for structural strength, chemical sensor, and electronics applications under strain conditions. This could have important technological implications.