Mechanical properties thumb|Simulation of a nanowire fracturing The study of nanowire mechanics has boomed since the advent of the atomic force microscope (AFM), and associated technologies which have enabled direct study of the response of the nanowire to an applied load. Specifically, a nanowire can be clamped from one end, and the free end displaced by an AFM tip. In this cantilever geometry, the height of the AFM is precisely known, and the force applied is precisely known. This allows for construction of a force vs. displacement curve, which can be converted to a stress vs. strain curve if the nanowire dimensions are known. From the stress-strain curve, the elastic constant known as the Young's Modulus can be derived, as well as the toughness, and degree of strain-hardening.
Mechanical properties thumb|Simulation of a nanowire fracturing The study of nanowire mechanics has boomed since the advent of the atomic force microscope (AFM) and associated technologies which have enabled direct study of the response of the nanowire to an applied load Specifically a nanowire can be clamped from one end and the free end displaced by an AFM tip In this cantilever geometry the height of the AFM is precisely known and the force applied is precisely known This allows for construction of a force vs displacement curve which can be converted to a stress vs strain curve if the nanowire dimensions are known From the stress-strain curve the elastic constant known as the Young's Modulus can be derived as well as the toughness and degree of strain-hardening