In this paper a theory of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and a suitable way for modelling them using the finite element method is presented. A brief reference to FE modelling of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) is given as an introduction to modelling of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, consisting of several layers of SWNT. Also, a theory of the connection interface between nanotube layers and its influence on the loading is given. A SWNT finite element model is used to model a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT). A brief theory concerning MWNT is given, as well as a theory of modelling a connecting interface between layers, as a result of van der Waals interactions. Different loading conditions are used as examples of multi-walled carbon nanotubes under specific loads. Results are compared with those given by other authors.
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