  Nanowires play a pivotal role across a spectrum of disciplines such as
nanoelectromechanical systems, nanoelectronics, and energy applications. As
nanowires continue to diminish in dimensions, their mechanical characteristics
are increasingly influenced by surface attributes. This research delves into
the elastic properties of silicon nanowires, which vary in dimensions and
crystal orientations, employing diverse nanomechanical models. Through
molecular dynamics simulations and the application of five models namely,
Heidelberg, Hudson, Zhan, SimpZP, and ExtZP, the analysis of force-deflection
responses reveals the intricate interplay among elastic properties, crystal
orientation, and the chosen model. To accurately account for unreconstructed
states, surface properties are examined for different silicon surface
orientations. Each crystal orientation exhibits distinct trends, with surface
properties showing a substantial influence on estimated elasticity. A thorough
grasp of surface effects and anisotropic properties is crucial for unraveling
nanowire mechanics. This study drives both the understanding of size-dependent
behaviors and the enhancement of insights into nanoscale surface
characteristics of silicon nanowires.
