An effective continuum/finite element (FE) approach for modeling the structure and the deformation of single-and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is presented. Individual tubes are modeled using Frame like structure with beam elements., The effect of van der Waals forces, crucial in multi-wall nanotubes, is simulated by the construction of spring elements. The success of this new CNT modeling approach is verified by comparing simulations of deformation of single-wall nanotubes with molecular dynamics results available in the literature. Simulations of final deformed configurations are in excellent agreement with the atomistic models for various deformations. The approach was then applied to the multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and the deformed configurations were compared to corresponding pervious data. The proposed approach successfully predicts the experimentally observed values mechanical behavior of SWCNTs and MWNTs. Presented results demonstrate that the proposed FE technique could provide a valuable tool for studying the mechanical behavior of different type of nanotubes, as well as their effectiveness as load-bearing entities in nanocomposite materials. © 2011 IEEE.