Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Scalable Nanohelices for Predictive Studies and Enhanced 3D Visualization
Published on: November 12, 2014
A generalized description of the elastic properties of nanowires
Andreas Heidelberg1, Lien T Ngo, Bin Wu
1Department of Chemistry and the Center for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Abstract:
We report a model of nanowire (NW) mechanics that describes force vs displacement curves over the entire elastic range for diverse wire systems. Due to the clamped-wire measurement configuration, the force response in the linear elastic regime can be linear or nonlinear, depending on the system and the wire displacement. For Au NWs the response is essentially linear since yielding occurs prior to the onset of the inherent nonlinearity, while for Si NWs the force response is highly nonlinear, followed by brittle fracture. Since the method describes the entire range of elastic deformation, it unequivocally identifies the yield points in both of these materials.
Related Concept Videos
Hooke's Law
Generalized Hooke's Law
Elasticity
The elasticity of an object can be described by a stress-strain curve, which represents the relationship between stress...
Members Made of Elastoplastic Material
As the bending moment...
Strain and Elastic Modulus
Bending of Members Made of Several Materials
Hooke's Law determines stress in each material, stating that stress is proportional to strain but varies due to each material's...

