Open AccessThermal conductivity and thermal rectification of carbon nanotube Y junctions
Author(s) -
Wei Li,
Yanhui Feng,
Tang Jin-Jin,
Xinxin Zhang
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
wuli xuebao
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.199
H-Index - 47
ISSN - 1000-3290
DOI - 10.7498/aps.62.076107
Subject(s) - thermal conductivity , rectification , carbon nanotube , materials science , thermal , thermal conduction , heat flux , thermal diffusivity , junction temperature , condensed matter physics , nanotechnology , thermodynamics , heat transfer , composite material , physics , power (physics)
The thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube (CNT) Y junctions and the thermal rectification behavior in the Y junctions have been investigated by means of classical non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation with quantum effects considered. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of a CNT Y junction is about 12%–85% lower than a (10,10) pristine CNT. The thermal conductivity of the Y junction in the positive direction, when the heat flux is directed from the stem to branches, is always higher than that of the reverse direction, i.e. from branches to the stem. The decline of the thermal conductivity due to the existence of Y junctions decreases with increasing temperature. The thermal rectification coefficient of the Y junction first decreases and then increases with the increase of temperature.