With the end goal of medical applications such as non-invasive surgery and targeted drug delivery, an acoustically driven resonant structure is proposed for microrobotic propulsion. At the proposed scale, the low Reynolds number environment requires non-reciprocal motion from the robotic structure for propulsion; thus, a “flapper” with multiple, flexible joints, has been designed to produce excitation modes that involve the necessary flagella-like bending for non-reciprocal motion. The key design aspect of the flapper structure involves a very thin joint that allows bending in one (vertical) direction, but not the opposing direction. This allows for the second mass and joint to bend in a manner similar to a dolphin’s “kick” at the bottom of their stroke, resulting in forward thrust. A 130 mm x 50 mm x 0.2 mm prototype of a swimming robot that utilizes the flapper was fabricated out of acrylic using a laser cutter. The robot was tested in water and in a water-glycerine solution designed to mimic microscale fluid conditions. The robot exhibited forward propulsion when excited by an underwater speaker at its resonance mode, with velocities up to 2.5 mm/s. The robot also displayed frequency selectivity, leading to the possibility of exploring a steering mechanism with alternatively tuned flappers. Additional tests were conducted with a robot at a reduced size scale.
KEYWORDS: Resonators, Acoustics, Systems modeling, Finite element methods, Data modeling, Signal to noise ratio, Photoacoustic spectroscopy, Absorption, Quartz, Thermal modeling
A finite element model for QEPAS systems has been developed that can apply to both on-axis and off-axis systems. The model includes the viscous and thermal loss on the acoustic resonator sidewalls, and these factors are found to significantly affect the signal to noise ratio. The model results are compared to experimental data and it is found that the model correctly predicts the optimal radial dimensions for resonator tubes of a given length. The model is applied to examine the dependence of signal-to-noise ratio on resonator diameter and sidewall thickness. The model is also applied to off-axis systems.
Photoacoustic spectroscopy is a useful monitoring technique that is well suited for trace gas detection. The technique also possesses favorable detection characteristics when the system dimensions are scaled to a micro-system design. The objective of present work is to incorporate two strengths of the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and chemical and biological sensing into a monolithic MEMS photoacoustic trace gas sensor. A miniaturized macro-cell design was studied as a means to examine performance and design issues as the photoacoustics is scaled to a dimension approaching the MEMS level. Performance of the macro-cell was tested using standard organo-phosphate nerve gas simulants, Dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP) and Diisoprpyl methyl phosphonate (DIMP). Current MEMS work centered on fabrication of a multi-layer cell subsystem to be incorporated in the full photoacoustic device. Preliminary results were very positive for the macro-cell sensitivity (ppb levels) and specificity indicating that the scaled cell maintains sensitivity. Several bonding schemes for a three-dimension MEMS photoacoustic cavity were investigated with initial results of a low temperature AuSn bond proving most feasible.
Small satellites with their low thermal capacitance are vulnerable to rapid temperature fluctuations. Therefore, thermal control becomes important, but the limitations on mass and electrical power require new approaches. Possible solutions to actively vary the heat rejection of the satellite in response to variations in the thermal load and environmental condition are the use of a variable emissivity coating (VEC), micro-machined shutters and louvers, or thermal switches. An elegant way the radiate heat is to switch the thermal contact between the emitting surface and the radiator electrostatically. This paper describes the design and fabrication of an active radiator for satellite thermal control based on such a micro electromechanical (MEMS) thermal switch. The switch operates by electrostatically moving a high emissivity surface layer in and out of contact with the radiator. The electromechanical model and material considerations for the thermal design of the MEMS device are discussed. The design utilizes a highly thermal conductive gold membrane supported by low-conductance SU-8 posts. The fabrication process is described. Measured actuation voltages were consistent with the electrostatic model, ranging from 8 to 25 volts.
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