Effect of small size-scale on the radial buckling pressure of a simply supported multi-walled carbon nanotube

Abstract

A buckling multiple-shell model of carbon nanotubes subjected to a uniform external radial pressure is suggested based on the theory of nonlocal elasticity. The average (nonlocal) stress incorporating the small size-scale is introduced into the governing equations of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes. A factor for the effect of the small size-scale is obtained, and the relationship of the effect of the small size-scale for a simply supported double-walled carbon nanotube to its size and buckling mode has been investigated. Numerical examples demonstrate the effect of small size-scale. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.