Mechanics on the Nanometer Scale: Experimental Study of Au Nanowires

The mechanics of nanometer-sized Au contacts made by indenting a sharp tip in a flat substrate was studied by measuring tip-sample forces as well as the conductance during compressive and tensile straining of the contact thus formed. Various yielding properties were observed depending on the loading conditions and the size of the contact. Experimental results are discussed in terms of concepts that have evolved from molecular dynamics simulations as well as in terms of general considerations of the mechanical strain energies involved.