The physics of wrinkling in graphene membranes under local tension

Abstract

The wrinkling characteristics of a rectangular graphene membrane under local tension are studied in this paper based on the continuum theory. The characteristics of the primary bifurcation and secondary wrinkling are studied to discover the physics of graphene wrinkling. The wrinkling geometry is predicted by a continuum theory model. The results reveal that the first wrinkle is formed at the primary bifurcation point. The non-uniform stretch-induced compressed effects, that originate from both the loaded portion and the clamped edges, buckle the graphene to form the first wrinkle. Secondary wrinkling is generated on the boundary of the wrinkled regions and the slack regions near the loaded portion in the post-wrinkling stage is the intrinsic nature of the wrinkling rupture and evolution of graphene. In addition, the length of the loaded portion and the aspect ratio of graphene have great effects on the wrinkling characteristics. These results are tremendously useful in understanding the intrinsic nature of the structural instability of graphene.