Mechanically tough, elastic and stable rope-like double nanohelices

Abstract

Double helix nanostructures have been the object of intense theoretical and experimental investigations in recent years due to their various types of available materials and unique morphology. Among these structures, rope-like double nanohelices of two strands in contact along a line can be obtained using any one-dimensional nanostructure. In this work, we establish a novel theory for quantitatively exploring the statics and dynamics of rope-like double nanohelices by employing the concept of the extensible Cosserat curve. The rope-like double nanohelices are tough, relatively elastic, and mechanically stable, which agrees well with the experiments. The characteristics of the interaction between the two strands, the tensile modulus and the torque are precisely described and explained across the entire stretching region. The proposed model offers in depth quantitative insight into the mechanics of double helix nanostructures, and supplies a reliable reference for further experimental research.