ABSTRACT
The general aspects and issues of nanomechanics are discussed and illustrated by an overview of the mechanical properties of nanotubes: linear elastic parameters, nonlinear elastic instabilities and buckling, inelastic relaxation, yield strength and fracture mechanisms, and kinetic theory. A discussion of theoretical and computational studies is supplemented by brief summaries of experimental results for the entire range of the deformation amplitudes. Atomistic scenarios of coalescence welding and the role of noncovalent forces (supramolecular interactions) between the nanotubes are also discussed due to their significance in potential applications.
