Dynamic Model of a Conjugate-Surface Flexure Hinge Considering Impacts between Cylinders

Micromachines (Basel). 2022 Jun 16;13(6):957. doi: 10.3390/mi13060957.

Abstract

A dynamic model of a Conjugate-Surface Flexure Hinge (CSFH) has been proposed as a component for MEMS/NEMS Technology-based devices with lumped compliance. However, impacts between the conjugate surfaces have not been studied yet and, therefore, this paper attempts to fill this gap by proposing a detailed multibody system (MBS) model that includes not only rigid-body dynamics but also elastic forces, friction, and impacts. Two models based on the Lankarani-Nikravesh constitutive law are first recalled and a new model based on the contact of cylinders is proposed. All three models are complemented by the friction model proposed by Ambrosìo. Then, the non-smooth Moreau time-stepping scheme with Coulomb friction is described. The four models are compared in different scenarios and the results confirm that the proposed model outcomes comply with the most reliable models.

Keywords: CSFH; LN-model; Moreau time-stepping scheme; event-driven scheme; multibody systems; non-smooth contact.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.