Determination of mechanical property of nanostructure using nano-macro equivalent mechanics method

The importance of research in nanoscale structure grew in the last two decades. However, the experimental method in this research field is not yet sufficiently advanced to provide people with a reliable and suitable mechanical property. The aim of this paper was to determine the utility of the equivalent method for establishing a mechanical property definition. In this method, equivalent atomistic-continuum elements replaced an originally discrete atomic structure. The method was based on the semi-empirical potential function and the finite element method. This study utilized a spring network model to describe interaction force of bi-atoms, and to investigate the Young´s modulus of silicon/germanium, carbon nanotube, and copper in a nanostructure. The Young´s moduli of these materials were confirmed by literature. Results indicated that the equivalent mechanics method may provide the basis for a useful and convenient process.