Free transverse vibration of single-walled carbon nanocones

Free transverse vibrations of single-walled carbon nanocones (SWCNCs) are investigated through beam model and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The fundamental frequencies of transverse vibrations of cantilevered SWCNCs with different apex angles, top radii and lengths are obtained from the MD simulations. The Timoshenko beam model provides a better prediction of the frequencies than the Euler-Bernoulli beam model. MD results indicate that apex angles have significant effects on the frequencies of SWCNCs with same lengths. It is found from the MD that the fundamental frequency of SWCNC is higher than an equivalent SWCNT. The effect of different top radii of SWCNC on the frequency is also examined. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.