A Review on Size-Dependent Mechanical Properties of Nanowires

Mohammad Nasr Esfahani*, Burhanettin Erdem Alaca

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The primary challenge to exploit the nanowire as a truly one-dimensional building block in nanoscale devices is the clear incorporation of scale effects into the operational performance. Size-dependent behavior in physical properties of nanowires is the subject of intense experimental and computational studies for more than two decades. In this review, the measurement techniques and computational approaches to study scale effects on mechanical properties of nanowires are reviewed for fcc metallic, silicon, and zinc oxide structures. Advantages and disadvantages of each measurement tool are summarized with data reported in the literature. A similar comparison is carried out for computational techniques. Contradictions in the literature are highlighted with an assessment of research needs and opportunities, among which the plastic behavior of gold nanowires and elastic properties of silicon nanowires can be primarily mentioned. Furthermore, challenges associated with the coupling of measurement methods and modeling approaches are summarized. Finally, points of agreement between experimental measurements and computational studies are discussed paving the way for the utilization of nanowires in future nanoscale devices.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1900192
Number of pages23
JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials
Volume21
Early online date21 Jun 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Aug 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Keywords

  • computational modeling
  • crystal structure
  • mechanical characterization
  • mechanical properties
  • nanowire
  • scale dependence
  • surface stress

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