Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Liquid Flow in and Around Carbon Nanotubes

Using recently-developed fluid state controllers [1], we apply continuum fluid boundary conditions to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of liquid argon flow past a carbon nanotube (CNT) and through a CNT membrane. Advantages of this method are that: it is not dependent on periodic boundary conditions; it can accurately generate fluid transport without any geometrical constraints; and it is capable of performing as an essential part of a hybrid continuum/atomistic technique. In our simulations, a pressure gradient is applied across a CNT membrane by controlling the densities of two reservoirs located either side of the membrane. Fluid velocity and density distributions are reported and compared to other published data where possible.