Several key concepts are fundamental to the study of nanomechanics:
Elasticity: This refers to the ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation. At the nanoscale, elasticity can vary significantly from bulk materials due to surface effects and quantum phenomena. Plasticity: This is the permanent deformation of a material after the application of a force. Nanomechanics studies how plasticity is influenced by the size and structure of nanomaterials. Fracture Mechanics: This involves the study of crack formation and propagation in materials. Understanding fracture mechanics at the nanoscale is vital for developing robust nanomaterials. Viscoelasticity: This describes materials that exhibit both elastic and viscous behavior. At the nanoscale, viscoelastic properties can be significantly different from their macroscopic counterparts.
