Prediction of Young’s Modulus of Graphene Sheets by the Finite Element Method

Abstract

Young’s moduli of graphene sheets are investigated in this paper. Graphene sheet is modelled as space frame structure by beam elements. Properties of beam elements are obtained from linkage molecular mechanics and classic continuum mechanics. Interatomic interactions in molecular mechanics are assigned to structural mechanics, and then diameter and elastic properties for beam elements are obtained. Graphene sheet is modelled with commercial finite element code and the boundary conditions are applied in two different directions. Young’s moduli of graphene sheets vary with dimensions of sheets and they are affected by direction of loading. Finally, the Poisson’s ratios are obtained from deformations of graphene sheets.