Analysis of the oscillatory behavior of double-walled carbon nanotube-based oscillators

Molecular dynamics simulations of oscillatory behaviors of double-walled carbon nanotube-based oscillators are performed. The second-generation empirical bond-order potential is used for the atomic interactions within a wall, and a registry-dependent and four different registry-independent van der Waals potentials are used for the atomic interactions between walls. It is found that the frequencies of the nanotube oscillators are sensitive to the choice of the van der Waals potentials. An almost non-decay oscillation is observed for the registry-dependent potential when there is no rocking motion. However, an apparent decay oscillation is observed when rocking motion occurs. A decay oscillation is observed for all registry-independent potentials even without rocking motion. Mechanisms leading to unstable oscillatory behavior are analyzed.