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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Micro-Electromechanical Switches For Micro-Satellite Power Transfer, Glen A. Kading
Micro-Electromechanical Switches For Micro-Satellite Power Transfer, Glen A. Kading
Theses and Dissertations
In the past few years, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have emerged as a promising new technology with tremendous application potential. One of the possible implementations of MEMS technology is in the development of micro-satellites. It should be possible to mass-produce micro-satellites at a fraction of the cost of one conventional satellite. In order for satellites to be robust, a method of transferring power to systems must be addressed. As micro-satellites are made with conventional integrated circuit technologies at a very small scale, a means of transferring power on a similar scale will be investigated. This research addresses the issue of the …
Self-Assembly Of Microstructures, Paul E. Kladitis
Self-Assembly Of Microstructures, Paul E. Kladitis
Theses and Dissertations
Four areas are investigated in this research: erecting microstructures normal to the substrate plane without direct human intervention (self-assembled), providing low resistance electrical connections to the erected microstructure, realizing circular motion normal to the substrate plane, and implementing a micro-robot. The designs in this research concentrate on erecting and providing power to a leg designed for use with the micro-robot. The leg and the attached low resistance electrical connectors were not self-assembled because the accompanying actuators were not powerful enough. However, the novel connectors provide the most practical, versatile, and lowest possible resistance connections for the MUMPs fabrication process. The …