Construction of Nonlinear Dynamic MEMS Component Models Using Cosserat Theory.

Richardson, Andrew and De Masi, B. and Rosing, R. and Wang, C. (2004) Construction of Nonlinear Dynamic MEMS Component Models Using Cosserat Theory. Analog Integrated Circuits and Signal Processing, 40 (2). pp. 117-130. ISSN 1573-1979

Abstract

This paper presents a new modelling method for MEMS components based on the Cosserat theory. By constructing Cosserat rod elements, generating symbolic code and developing numeric code in VHDL-AMS for selected demonstrators, we are able to effectively simulate and predict the essential linear and nonlinear behaviour in estimating system performance and guiding the reliability verification process. The simplicity of the Cosserat approach follows from the possibility to formulate interconnected slender components in terms of a network of quasi-rigid bodies (Cosserat elements). This modularization fits well into the behavioural modelling where a relatively low degree of freedom is needed to capture salient features of the system. Furthermore, the manner in which Cosserat elements and their interactions are formulated makes this method ideally suited for nonlinear dynamic simulations in the presence of large deflections.