ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the integration of finite and lumped element methods for the design, modeling, and simulation of nano- and microelectromechanical systems (N/MEMSs). It introduces a new lumped mechanical model and online tool for simulating a system of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Due to their excellent electrical and mechanical properties, CNTs have been used for broad applications ranging from nano-composites to nanoelectromechanical systems. The extremely small size of CNT presents significant challenges in the evaluation of their mechanical properties. The CNT models of zigzag and armchair nanotubes are implemented in Sugar, a nodal analysis package for 3D MEMS simulation. However, as was mentioned earlier, using this model for simulating the geometry of large CNTs can be computationally expensive and time consuming. The models for the several kinds of symmetrical CNTs are available for use in SugarCube, which is a novice-friendly online tool for manipulating parameter values of readymade N/MEMS that were initially configured using Sugar.
