Elasticity theory for graphene membranes

Starting from an atomistic approach we have derived a hierarchy of successively more simplified continuum elasticity descriptions for modeling the mechanical properties of suspended graphene sheets. We find that already for deflections of the order of 0.5∈Å a theory that correctly accounts for nonlinearities is necessary and that for many purposes a set of coupled Duffing-type equations may be used to accurately describe the dynamics of graphene membranes. The descriptions are validated by applying them to square graphene-based resonators with clamped edges and studying numerically their mechanical responses. Both static and dynamic responses are treated, and we find good agreement with recent experimental findings. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V