Jian Wu talks with
ScienceWatch.com and answers a few questions about
this month's New Hot Paper in the field of
Engineering.
Article Title: An atomistic-based
finite-deformation shell theory for single-wall carbon
nanotubes Authors:
Wu, J;Hwang,
KC;Huang, Y
Journal: J MECH PHYS SOLIDS
Volume: 56
Issue: 1
Page: 279-292
Year: JAN 2008
* Univ Illinois, Dept Engn Sci & Mech, Urbana, IL 61801
USA.
* Univ Illinois, Dept Engn Sci & Mech, Urbana, IL 61801
USA.
Why do you think your paper is highly
cited?
The paper is highly cited because it establishes, for the first time, a
finite-deformation continuum shell theory for single-walled carbon
nanotubes directly from the interatomic potential and carbon nanotube
structure. The method is efficient and robust, and can also be applied to
other nano-structured materials such as nanowires.
Does it describe a new discovery,
methodology, or synthesis of knowledge?
It describes a new theory for carbon nanotubes as well as a new method
linking atomistic and continuum analyses of nano-structured materials.
Would you summarize the significance of your
paper in layman's terms?
Carbon nanotubes possess superior properties, such as high thermal
conductivity, elastic stiffness, mechanical strength, and low mass density.
They have a wide range of potential applications in engineering, but this
requires a continuum theory to bridge the gap between carbon nanotubes and
technology development. We have developed a continuum shell theory for
carbon nanotubes in order to bridge this gap.
How did you become involved in this research,
and were there any problems along the way?
Nanotechnology has been an important research topic
since early 2000. I was determined to contribute to this important
field, particularly using carbon nanotubes in engineering applications.
I soon realized that widely used atomistic simulations have many
limitations, and decided to develop a continuum theory for carbon
nanotubes. The main challenge was to establish the continuum theory
directly from the interatomic potential so that it has the same accuracy
as atomistic simulations but overcomes their limitations.
Where do you see your research leading in the
future?
It will help to boost the use of carbon nanotubes and other nano-structured
materials in the field of engineering.
Do you foresee any social or political
implications for your research?
It provides an efficient and robust method to apply nanotechnology to our
daily lives.
Dr. Jian Wu
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL, USA