Nonlinear elasticity of monolayer graphene

Phys Rev Lett. 2009 Jun 12;102(23):235502. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.235502. Epub 2009 Jun 11.

Abstract

By combining continuum elasticity theory and tight-binding atomistic simulations, we work out the constitutive nonlinear stress-strain relation for graphene stretching elasticity and we calculate all the corresponding nonlinear elastic moduli. Present results represent a robust picture on elastic behavior and provide the proper interpretation of recent experiments. In particular, we discuss the physical meaning of the effective nonlinear elastic modulus there introduced and we predict its value in good agreement with available data. Finally, a hyperelastic softening behavior is observed and discussed, so determining the failure properties of graphene.