Dynamic column buckling of multi-walled carbon nanotubes under axial impact load

This paper studies the dynamic column buckling of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) under axial impact load. The analysis is based on the continuum mechanics model and a simplified model for the van der Waals forces between adjacent layers. By introducing initial imperfections for MWNTs and applying the method of preferred mode, a buckling condition is derived for the buckling load and associated buckling mode. In particular, explicit expressions are obtained for double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs). Finally, numerical calculations are worked out for a DWNT and a five-layer MWNT with different length-to-radius ratios.