Equivalent continuum modeling of graphene sheets

Carbon nanotubes have drawn tremendous interest due to their excellent mechanical and electronic properties. Carbon nanotubes have a similar molecular structure as that of graphene sheets. Hence, characterization of mechanical properties of graphene sheet based on equivalent continuum modelling is of considerable importance. Our initial studies are carried out on a single carbon ring/cell. The ring is then modelled as a truss (finite) element assemblage and equivalent Young's modulus is computed for a few fundamental modes. Next, these studies have been extended to model graphene sheet as a planar continuum to determine the mechanical properties (Young's modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio) for typical modes of deformation. Further research is in progress to investigate how this set of different values can be integrated together towards a meaningful continuum characterization of the inherent discrete structure. © World Scientific Publishing Company.