Thermal Buckling of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Using a Semi-Analytical Finite Element Approach

In this article, a semi-analytical finite element approach based on the nonlocal elastic shell model is proposed to study the thermal buckling of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). By taking nonlocality into consideration, the small scale effect is incorporated into the model presented herein. Based upon the Eringen nonlocal elasticity, the displacement field equations coupled by the van der Waals interaction force are derived. Comprehensive results for the thermal buckling of multiwalled carbon nanotubes are given. The influences of the small scale parameter and boundary conditions on the thermal instability of MWCNTs are examined. It is indicated that the possibility of the radial buckling mode of deformation due to radially elevated temperature is significantly higher than that of axial buckling mode of deformation due to uniformly reduced temperature when carbon nanotubes experience thermal loads.