Theoretical Investigation of the Intrinsic Mechanical Properties of Single- and Double-Layer Graphene

In this study, the Young’s and flexural moduli of single- and double-layer graphene have been theoretically investigated using periodic boundary condition (PBC) density functional theory (DFT) with the PBE, HSE06 H, and M06L functionals in conjunction with the 6-31G* and the 3-21G basis sets. The unit-cell size and shape dependence as well as the directional dependencies of the mechanical properties have also been investigated. Additionally, the calculated stretching and flexural strain–stress curves are reported. Finally, finite-element simulations have been performed so as to find a homogeneous equivalent isotropic transverse material for single-layer graphene, in order to reproduce mechanical behavior in both tensile and bending sollicitations.