The deformation mechanisms of gold nanowires with different nanopores under tension were simulated by molecular dynamics (MD). The stress-strain curves varied from different porous defects, and the tension caused dislocations to take place and slip along plane (I I I). Moreover, the tensile strength of the nanoporous monocrystalline gold was decreased when the simulated temperature increased. The stress concentrations factors of porous nanowires were calculated, and it was found that there was a great influence of size and model effects on the stress concentration factors. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.