A mechanical equivalence for Poisson's ratio and thickness of C–C bonds in single wall carbon nanotubes

A formulation for the equivalent mechanical properties (Young's modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio) of the C–C bond of CNTs under tensile and bending small deformations is derived. The C–C bonds behave like structural elements with negligible lateral deformation when stretched. The results from the model have been applied to structural mechanics truss assemblies representing single wall nanotube and nanoropes, providing good comparison with existing numerical and experimental results available.