Simulation of carbon nanotube-based nanoelectromechanical switches

Marc Dequesnes, S. V. Rotkin, N. R. Aluru

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We study the pull-in voltage characteristics of several multiwall nanotube electromechanical switches such as suspended carbon nanotubes over a graphitic ground lectrode. Electromechanical analysis has been performed by accounting for three coupled energy domains: elastostatics, electrostatics, and van der Waals interactions. We have shown that, by comparing to molecular dynamics simulations, the use of continuum theories for mechanics and van der Waals interactions is justified. The continuum approach proposed in this work has been used to simulate the behaviour of carbon-nanotube based nano-switches. Several cantilever and fixed-fixed carbon nanotubes over a graphite ground plane have been simulated. The pull-in voltage calculations for a cantilever switch and a fixed-fixed switch emphasize the significance of van der Waals forces in nanoelectromechanical switches.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2002 International Conference on Computational Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - ICCN 2002
EditorsM. Laudon, B. Romanowicz
Pages383-386
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2002
Event2002 International Conference on Computational Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - ICCN 2002 - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Duration: Apr 21 2002Apr 25 2002

Publication series

Name2002 International Conference on Computational Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - ICCN 2002

Other

Other2002 International Conference on Computational Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - ICCN 2002
Country/TerritoryPuerto Rico
CitySan Juan
Period4/21/024/25/02

Keywords

  • Carbon nanotube
  • NEMS
  • Pull-in voltage

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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