Multiple radial corrugations in multiwalled carbon nanotubes under pressure
arXiv:0903.2630
Abstract
Radial elastic corrugation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes under hydrostatic pressure is demonstrated by using the continuum elastic theory. Various corrugation patterns are observed under a pressure of several GPa, wherein the stable cross-sectional shape depends on the innermost tube diameter D and the total number N of concentric walls. A phase diagram is established to obtain the requisite values of D and N for a desired corrugation pattern among choices. In all corrugation patterns, the cylindrical symmetry of the innermost tube is maintained even under high external pressure.
15 pages, 6 figures