The present research attempts to explain dynamic pull-in instability of functionally graded micro-cantilevers actuated by step DC voltage while the fringing-field effect is taken into account in the vibrational equation of motion. By employing modern asymptotic approach namely Homotopy Perturbation Method with an auxiliary term, high-order frequency-amplitude relation is obtained, then the infl...

We present an energetically autonomous robotic tadpole that uses a single membrane component for both electrical energy generation and propulsive actuation. The coupling of this small bio-inspired power source to a bio-inspired actuator demonstrates the first generation design for an energetically autonomous swimming robot comprised of a single membrane. An ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) ...

in this research the influence of adding sic on microstructure and electrical properties of zno-based nanocomposite varistors were investigated. sic was added with amounts of 10-0 mass% to zno-based varistor composition. it is found that sic allows reaching to high threshold voltage with formation of fine-grained zno.another important effect of adding sic is formation zn2sio4 (willemite) on the ...

The static pull-in instability of beam-type micro-electromechanical systems is theoretically investigated. Two engineering cases including cantilever and double cantilever micro-beam are considered. Considering the mid-plane stretching as the source of the nonlinearity in the beam behavior, a nonlinear size-dependent Euler-Bernoulli beam model is used based on a modified couple stress theory, c...

Electrical actuation of liquid droplets at the microscale offers promising applications in the fields of microfluidics and lab-on-chip devices. Much prior research has targeted the electrical actuation of electrically conducting liquid droplets using dc voltages (classical electrowetting). Electrical actuation of conducting droplets using ac voltages and the actuation of insulating droplets (us...

This thesis describes electrostatic actuation techniques and mechanical design features for realizing large planar analog vertical travel in an electrostatically actuated diffractive mid-infrared optical device, which is robust, both to manufacture, and against pull-in during use. This device, called the Polychromator, is fabricated by polysilicon surface-micromachining and consists of many par...

INTRODUCTION The comb-drive actuator is one of the main building blocks of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Its working principle is based on an electrostatic force that is generated between biased conductor plates as one moves relative to the other. Because of its capability of force generation, it finds wide application in micro-mechanical systems. Sample applications include polysilico...

In this paper, Fabless Prototyping Methodology is introduced for the design and analysis of MEMS devices. Conventionally Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is performed before system level simulation. In our proposed methodology, system level simulation is performed earlier than FEA as it is computationally less extensive and low cost. System level simulations are based on equivalent behavioral mode...