An atomistic-based finite deformation membrane for single layer crystalline films

Elastic properties of carbon nanotubes and nanoropes are investigated using an empirical force-constant model. For single and multi-wall nanotubes the elastic moduli are shown to be insensitive to details of the structure such as the helicity, the tube radius and the number of layers. The tensile Young's modulus and the torsion shear modulus calculated are comparable to that of the diamond, while the the bulk modulus is smaller. Nanoropes composed of single-wall nanotubes possess the ideal elastic properties of high tensile elastic modulus, flexible, and light weight.