Continuum modeling of van der Waals interaction force between carbon nanocones and carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Using the Lennard-Jones potential, continuum modeling of the van der Waals potential energy and interaction force distributions are investigated for the eccentric and concentric single-walled carbon nanocones inside the single-walled carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, a new semi-analytical solution is presented to evaluate the van der Waals interaction of the nanocone located on the axis of the nanotube. Eccentric and concentric configurations of these nanostructures are also investigated to obtain the preferred position of the nanocone inside the nanotubes. Finally, the optimum radius of a carbon nanotube for which the preferred location of carbon nanocones is along the tube axis is found. © 2011 American Society of Mechanical Engineers.