Pull-in dynamics of electrostatically actuated bistable micro beams

Slava Krylov*, Nir Dick

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Bistable micro and nano structures integrated into microsystems exhibit clear functional advantages including the existence of several stable configurations at the same actuation force, extended working range and tunable resonant frequencies. In this work, after a short review of various operational principles of bistable micro devices, we present results of a theoretical investigation of the transient dynamics of an initially curved bistable micro beam actuated by distributed electrostatic and inertial forces. The unique combination of mechanical and electrostatic nonlinearities results in the existence of sequential mechanical (snap-through) and electrostatic (pull-in) instabilities. A phase plane analysis performed using a consistently derived lumped model along with the numerical reduced order model results indicate that the dynamic character of loading may have significant influence on the stability range of the beam. Critical voltages corresponding to the dynamic snap-through and pull-in instabilities are lower than their static counterparts while the minimal curvature required for the appearance of the dynamic snap-through is higher than in the static case.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvanced Materials and Technologies for Micro/Nano-Devices, Sensors and Actuators
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages117-128
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9789048138050
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

Publication series

NameNATO Science for Peace and Security Series B: Physics and Biophysics
ISSN (Print)1874-6500

Keywords

  • Bistability
  • Curved micro beam
  • Dynamic pull-in
  • Dynamic snap-through
  • Dynamic stability
  • Electrostatic actuation
  • Phase-plane analysis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pull-in dynamics of electrostatically actuated bistable micro beams'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this