Wave Propagation in Nanoshells

Abstract

Wave propagation analysis of nanoshells such as CNTs are relevant due to their various applications, which include sensing superconductivity, transport and optical phenomena. Both atomistic models as well as continuum models have been reported in the literature and applied to such applications. The CNTs can have interesting waveguide properties at very high frequencies in the order of up to terahertz. This we have seen in earlier chapters. At such high frequencies, continuum model-based finite element type methods cannot be adopted due to their limitation of the element size with respect to the wavelength, which is very small at such frequencies. Lattice dynamics for direct observation of phonons and spectral finite element type method are more efficient and consistent to analyze such situation. With these theories and method of analysis, this chapter brings out several interesting features of high frequency ultrasonic wave propagation in CNTs modeled as cylindrical shells, using nonlocal elasticity theory, which are not observed in macroscale structures.