The effect of filling nanotubes with ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$, ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$, or Ne on the mechanical properties of the nanotubes is examined. The approach is classical molecular dynamics using the reactive empirical bond order (REBO) and the adaptive intermolecular REBO potentials. The simulations predict that the buckling force of filled nanotubes can be larger than that of empty nanotubes, and the magnitude of the increase depends on the density of the filling material. In addition, these simulations demonstrate that the buckling force of empty nanotubes depends on temperature. Filling the nanotube disrupts this temperature effect so that it is no longer present in some cases.

• Received 11 September 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.205505