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Mechanical Engineering Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2008

Brigham Young University

FCBM

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Evaluating Three-Dimensional Effects On The Behavior Of Compliant Bistable Micromechanisms, Brian B. Cherry, Larry L. Howell, Brian D. Jensen Sep 2008

Evaluating Three-Dimensional Effects On The Behavior Of Compliant Bistable Micromechanisms, Brian B. Cherry, Larry L. Howell, Brian D. Jensen

Faculty Publications

Fully compliant bistable micromechanisms (FCBMs) have potential use in numerous applications, including switches, relays, shutters, and low-power sensing arrays. Two-dimensional finite element models for these FCBMs have been used in device analysis and design, and provided an adequate match to preliminary experimental data. However, with more extensive experimentation over a large range of designs, some results proved to be radically different than predicted, with trends not consistent with effects such as stiction or electrostatic forces. Two different types of behavior, Behavior 1 and Behavior 2, are observed and explained, only one of which is predicted by 2-D models. This paper …


Characterizing The Three-Dimensional Behavior Of Bistable Micromechanisms, Brian B. Cherry Feb 2008

Characterizing The Three-Dimensional Behavior Of Bistable Micromechanisms, Brian B. Cherry

Theses and Dissertations

Compliant bistable micromechanisms have been proposed for use in applications such as switches, relays, shutters, and sensing arrays. Unpublished laboratory testing suggests that off-axis forces may affect the bistable nature of fully compliant bistable micromechanisms (FCBMs). The actuation forces required to snap the FCBM from one stable equilibrium position to another can be altered if the off-axis forces are applied to the mechanism during transition between stable positions. Understanding the three-dimensional characteristics of these mechanisms and the effect of eccentric loading conditions would be helpful in design and analysis of FCBMs. Two 3-D FEA models were developed for analysis and …