Atomistic investigation of the effect of nano-structural shape on the mechanical response of SiC/Cu interpenetrating phase nanocomposites

•An investigation is conducted on the structural shapes of IPCs.•Several effective mechanisms at nanoscale are introduced.•The validity of the Hashin–Shtrikman model at atomic scale is examined.•The geometry can have a dramatic effect on the mechanical behavior of nano-IPCs.•The larger contiguity of the stiffer phase can lead to higher strengths.