Abstract
Purpose - The potential of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as mass sensors is examined by developing analytical expressions and then comparing the outcome with structural mechanics corresponding predictions.Design/methodology/approach - The carbon nanotube (CNT) resonators are assumed to be either single or double clamped. Analytical formulas capable of describing the vibrational behaviour of such CNT-based nanoresonators with an attached mass at nanotube tip or various intermediate positions are developed by combining the Euler-Bernoulli theory and Krylov-Duncan functions. Findings - The validity and the accuracy of these formulas are examined for a wide range of cases via comparisons with corresponding results arisen by spring or beam based structural mechanics predictions. Both structural mechanics approaches utilize three-dimensional nanoscale elements formulated according to molecular theory. The results indicate that the new sensor equations may be utilized for the estimation of vibration response of CNT-based mass sensors with reasonable accuracy.Originality/value - Simple analytical formulas are proved to approximate the mass sensing ability of CNTs adequately, fact that may significantly contribute in the effort of developing new sensor devices.
Purpose - The potential of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as mass sensors is examined by developing analytical expressions and then comparing the outcome with structural mechanics corresponding predictions.Design/methodology/approach - The carbon nanotube (CNT) resonators are assumed to be either single or double clamped. Analytical formulas capable of describing the vibrational behaviour of such CNT-based nanoresonators with an attached mass at nanotube tip or various intermediate positions are developed by combining the Euler-Bernoulli theory and Krylov-Duncan functions. Findings - The validity and the accuracy of these formulas are examined for a wide range of cases via comparisons with corresponding results arisen by spring or beam based structural mechanics predictions. Both structural mechanics approaches utilize three-dimensional nanoscale elements formulated according to molecular theory. The results indicate that the new sensor equations may be utilized for the estimation of vibration response of CNT-based mass sensors with reasonable accuracy.Originality/value - Simple analytical formulas are proved to approximate the mass sensing ability of CNTs adequately, fact that may significantly contribute in the effort of developing new sensor devices.