High-stability numerical algorithm for the simulation of deformable electrostatic MEMS devices

X. Rottenberg, B. Nauwelaers, W. De Raedt, D. Elata

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents a novel high-stability electrically-driven algorithm for the simulation of the electro-mechanical actuation of electrostatic MEMS devices. The stability of this algorithm improves on that of voltage- and charge-drive algorithms. Key in our algorithm are the use of a local charge density as driver for an adapted relaxation algorithm and the adequate selection of the bias node in the mesh. The high stability of this algorithm allows probing the electromechanical equilibrium locus way beyond the V-and Q-drive pull-in instabilities. The new algorithm allows investigating the effect of dielectric charging in deformable electrostatic MEMS devices and especially the narrowing of their equilibrium locus due to dielectric charging non-uniformities. We implement this algorithm in 2D for clamped-clamped beams of rectangular cross-section and take into account, among other things, distributed dielectric thickness, permittivity, rest air gap, actuation electrode and linearly distributed dielectric roughness.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTechnical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, NSTI-Nanotech, Nanotechnology 2008
Pages501-504
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2008
Event2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, NSTI Nanotech 2008 Joint Meeting, Nanotechnology 2008 - Quebec City, QC, United States
Duration: 1 Jun 20085 Jun 2008

Publication series

NameTechnical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, NSTI-Nanotech, Nanotechnology 2008
Volume3

Conference

Conference2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, NSTI Nanotech 2008 Joint Meeting, Nanotechnology 2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityQuebec City, QC
Period1/06/085/06/08

Keywords

  • Dielectric charging
  • Electrostatic actuation
  • High stability
  • Numerical algorithm

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering

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