An efficient reduced-order model to investigate the behavior of an imperfect microbeam under axial load and electric excitation

Laura Ruzziconi*, Mohammad I. Younis, Stefano Lenci

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study an efficient reduced-order model for a MEMS device is developed and investigations of the nonlinear static and the dynamic behavior are performed. The device is constituted of an imperfect microbeam under an axial load and an electric excitation. The imperfections, typically due to microfabrication processes, are simulated assuming a shallow arched initial shape. The axial load is deliberately added with an elevated value. The structure has a bistable static configuration of double potential well with possibility of escape. We derive a single-mode reduced-order model via the Ritz technique and the Padé approximation. This model, while simple, is able to combine both a sufficient accuracy, which enables to detect the main qualitative features of the device response up to elevated values of electrodynamic excitation, and a remarkable computational efficiency, which is essential for systematic global nonlinear dynamic simulations. We illustrate the nonlinear phenomena arising in the device, such as the coexistence of various competing in-well and cross-well attractors, which leads to a considerable versatility of behavior. We discuss their physical meaning and their practical relevance for the engineering design of the microstructure, since this is an uncommon and very attractive aspect in applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number011014
JournalJournal of Computational and Nonlinear Dynamics
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Keywords

  • Padé approximation
  • escape; nonlinear dynamics
  • microelectromechanical systems
  • multistability
  • reduced-order models

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Applied Mathematics

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