Journal of Xidian University ›› 2016, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (4): 154-159.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-2400.2016.04.027

• Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Three-dimensional simulation of kinetics of carbon nanotubes  under dielectrophoresis

WANG Xiaochong;AN Libao;GONG Liang;CHEN Yan   

  1. (College of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei Provincial Key Lab. of Inorganic Nonmetallic Materials, North China Univ. of Science and Technology, Tangshan  063009, China)
  • Received:2015-04-09 Online:2016-08-20 Published:2016-10-12

Abstract:

Based on the dielectrophoretic force arising from the polarization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the dielectric fluid under an alternating current electric field and the viscous resistance from the fluid, force and motion models for CNTs under dielectrophoresis (DEP) are established. Simulation is conducted on the translational and rotational motion of CNTs. Three-dimensional trajectories and a distribution region of initial points from where a CNT can be successfully assembled onto the electrode gap are obtained. By calculating the DEP force and translational velocity of a CNT during assembly, we know that the nearer the CNT to the electrode gap, the greater the DEP force and CNT velocity, and that the maximal DEP force and CNT velocity can be respectively of orders 10-9N and 105μm/s. The results of simulation provide guidance for DEP assembly of CNTs.

Key words: carbon nanotube, dielectrophoresis, mathematical model, simulation, three-dimensional trajectory