Homework 6:
| Assigned: | Mar 17, 2003 |
| Due: | Mar 31, 2003 |
Individual Assignments:
Electrostatic Actuator Modeling, Part II
Consider an electrostatic sensor/actuator, as we have discussed in class. The actuator is a cantilevered beam, suspended above the substrate by a gap, g.
Using Bernoulli-Euler Beam theory, and the techniques discussed in class (matching potential and kinetic energy), derive the effective stiffness and the effective mass for a cantilevered beam. (assume the beam to be clamped at one end).
What is the natural frequency of this system?
(If you know finite element analysis - compute this for the case H = 2, W = 50, L = 500).
End of Term Projects (Due FRIDAY March 21):
The end of term project will include a detailed electromechanical design, fabrication sequence, design optimization and commercial applications analysis for a specific device. Projects will be in teams of 2-3 students.
Rank the following list of end-of term projects in terms of general area:
 | Microphone for cell-phones |
| DNA Sequencer |
| Gyroscope for video camera stabilization system |
| Synthetic Jet for fluidic control |
| Micro-robot to crawl around exploring Mars |
| Energy harvester, to extract electric power from vibrating machinery |
| Optical switch for telecommunications |
If you have a project that you would like to work on, please list it here)