Nonlinear vibration and postbuckling behavior of a single layer graphene sheet (SLGS) embedded in a polymer matrix aroused by the nonlinear van der Waals (vdW) forces are investigated using the Kirchhoff plate theory. The interfacial vdW forces are described by a nonlinear function in terms of the graphene deflection. Through harmonic balance method, the nonlinear relation between deflection am...

Animal cells in tissues are supported by biopolymer matrices, which typically exhibit highly nonlinear mechanical properties. While the linear elasticity of the matrix can significantly impact cell mechanics and functionality, it remains largely unknown how cells, in turn, affect the nonlinear mechanics of their surrounding matrix. Here, we show that living contractile cells are able to generat...

This paper presents an overview of the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes, starting from the linear elastic parameters, nonlinear elastic instabilities and buckling, and the inelastic relaxation, yield strength and fracture mechanisms. A summary of experimental findings is followed by more detailed discussion of theoretical and computational models for the entire range of the deformation...