Theoretical Study of Atomic Structure and Elastic Properties of Branched Silicon Nanowires

The atomic structure and elastic properties of Y-silicon nanowire junctions of fork- and bough-types were theoretically studied and effective Young modulus were calculated using the Tersoff interatomic potential. In the final stages of bending, new bonds between different parts of the Y-shaped wires are formed. It was found that the stiffness of the nanowires considered can be compared with the stiffness of carbon nanotube Y-junctions.