Failure-analysis of carbon nanotubes and their extreme applications

The study of material failure is crucial for the design of engineering applications, as it can have significant social and economic impacts. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, hold immense potential for a wide range of cutting-edge applications such as superstrong fiber, lightning strike protector, and even space elevator. This review provides an overview of the advancement in understanding the mechanical and electrical failure study of CNTs and their assemblies, serving as a comprehensive reference for utilizing CNTs in various forms. To begin, we emphasize the importance of studying material failure and provide a brief introduction to CNTs. Subsequently, we explore the mechanical and electrical failure characteristics of CNTs and their assemblies, along with notable examples of applications that utilize their failure-resistant properties, such as flywheel energy storage and lightning strike protection. Lastly, we present perspectives associated with analyzing CNT failure and its implications for extreme applications.