We study silver nanowires as a model for the mechanical effects of ultrasonication. Their bending is caused by the outward push of shock waves against the inertia and fluid resistance. The structural analyses of a large number of cases reveal the principles of the mechanical effects on the freely suspended colloidal nanostructures. In addition to providing knowledge of the sonication effects, we believe that understanding would help to exploit sonication for nanoscale mechanical manipulation.
Keywords: bending; cavitation; mechanical effect; silver nanowires; ultrasound.