The influence of surface elasticity on the flexural rigidity of nanowires

Abstract

This talk describes a recently derive continuum model for estimating the flexural rigidity of nanowires. The model is linear elastic and includes contributions of surface stiffness as a result of lowered coordination. Predictions of the model are validated by comparison to benchmark molecular dynamics and statics simulations via two examples: resonant properties of top-down nanowires and buckling of nanowires. Overall, the present work demonstrates that continuum mechanics can be utilized to study the elastic and mechanical behavior and properties of ultrasmall nanowires if surface elastic contributions to the flexural rigidity are accounted for.