dynamic – TechConnect Briefs

On the dynamic contact angle in spontaneous capillary flow

Berthier J., Gosselin D., Delapierre G., CEA-LETI, FR

Capillary actuation of fluids is an interesting solution when the gravitational forces are small: this is the case in space , or in microfluidic systems where gravity is negligible. The onset of spontaneous capillary flow [...]

On the dynamic contact angle in spontaneous capillary flow

Berthier J., Gosselin D., Delapierre G., CEA-LETI, FR

Capillary actuation of fluids is an interesting solution when the gravitational forces are small: this is the case in space , or in microfluidic systems where gravity is negligible. The onset of spontaneous capillary flow [...]

Synthesis & Mechanical Characterization of Carbon/Epoxy Composites Reinforced with SiC Nano Particles

Chisholm N., Mahfuz H., Rangari V., Rodgers R., Jeelani S., Tuskegee Unviersity, US

Room temperature cure Epoxy resin has been doped with SiC nanoparticles through an ultrasonic cavitation process. The modified resin is then utilized in a Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) process with satin weave carbon [...]

Dynamic Simulation of MEMS Switches using Simulink

Combes D.J., Brunson K.M., John R., Bunyan T., QinetiQ Ltd, UK

A nodal model is implemented in Simulink and used to investigate the dynamics of electrostatically actuated MEMS switches. The model is based on reduced order 4DOF beam elements, with electrostatic forces based on simple parallel [...]

Electromechanical and Microwave S-parameter Properties of a Wide Tuning Range MEMS Tunable Capacitor

Chen J., Zou J., Liu C., Kang S-M, University of Illinois, CN

We present the electromechanical and microwave properties of a novel micromachined parallel-plate tunable capacitor with a wide tuning range. Different from conventional two-parallel-plate tunable capacitors, this novel tunable capacitor consists of one suspended top plate [...]

Dynamic Effects of Linkage Joints in Electrostatic Microengines

Allen J.J., Miller S.L., LaVigne G.F., Rodgers M.S., Eaton W.P., Sandia National Laboratories, US

The electrostatic microengine is one of the major actuators used in MEMS applications. To ensure this MEMS actuator is operated in a fashion that will produce peak performance and long life, the system dynamics must [...]