Stability analysis of FGM microgripper subjected to nonlinear electrostatic and temperature variation loadings

Abstract

Considering the desired characteristics of functionally gradient materials (FGM), such as good thermal and wear resistance, this paper investigates the mechanical behavior of FGM microgripper under DC voltage and temperature variation. It is assumed that the two microbeams of the FGM microgripper are mounted symmetrically against each other, and the volume of ceramic varies exponentially with microbeam thickness. The nonlinear equations governing the static and dynamic deflection of microbeams due to the application of DC voltage and temperature variation are derived and solved using the step-by-step linearization method and the Galerkin method. In previous studies, the mechanical behavior of a microgripper with homogenous and the same material has been investigated; in this paper, the response and stability of the FGM microgripper against DC voltage and temperature variation are investigated. Also, the effect of geometrical dimensions, ceramic volume, and its variations with microbeam thickness on the mechanical behavior and system stability is studied.