Investigation of the Bending Behavior in Silicon Nanowires: A Nanomechanical Modeling Perspective

Nanowires play a pivotal role across a spectrum of disciplines such as nanoelectromechanical systems, nanoelectronics, and energy applications. As nanowires continue to diminish in dimensions, their mechanical characteristics are increasingly influenced by surface attributes. This research delves into the elastic properties of silicon nanowires, which vary in dimensions and crystal orientations, employing diverse nanomechanical models. Through molecular dynamics simulations and the application of five models namely, Heidelberg, Hudson, Zhan, SimpZP, and ExtZP, the analysis of force-deflection responses reveals the intricate interplay among elastic properties, crystal orientation, and the chosen model. To accurately account for unreconstructed states, surface properties are examined for different silicon surface orientations. Each crystal orientation exhibits distinct trends, with surface properties showing a substantial influence on estimated elasticity. A thorough grasp of surface effects and anisotropic properties is crucial for unraveling nanowire mechanics. This study drives both the understanding of size-dependent behaviors and the enhancement of insights into nanoscale surface characteristics of silicon nanowires.