Finite element modeling of compressive deformation of super-long vertically aligned carbon nanotubes

The super-long, vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (SL-VACNTs) are novel carbon nanomaterial produced from template-free synthesis. The mechanical responses of such material have been investigated by continuum finite element modeling and compared with experimental observations. The crushable foam model has been adequate in modeling the stress-strain curve and deformation of the SL-VACNTs under compression. SL-VACNTs are seen to exhibit transient elastic deformation at small displacement and then plastic deformation at large displacement. The deformation mostly occur at the position immediately beneath the compression platen (indenter face) due to the high stress/strain concentrations.