Goals and Outline

The lecture addresses students in the fields of mechanical engineering, mechatronics and information technology, materials science and engineering, electrical engineering and economic sciences. A comprehensive introduction is given in the basics and current developments on the microscopic length scale.

The lecture is core subject of the major course “Microactuators and Microsensors” of the specialization “Mechatronics and Microsystems Technology” in Mechanical Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering: Specialization M&M / Major 54

Outline:

• Basic knowledge in the material science of the actuation principles
• Layout and design optimization
• Fabrication technologies
• Selected developments
• Applications

The lecture is in German, but can be given in English, depending on the listeners.

Contents

The lecture includes amongst others the following topics:

• Microelectromechnical systems: linear actuators, microrelais, micromotors
• Medical technology and life sciences: Microvalves, micropumps, microfluidic systems
• Microrobotics: Microgrippers, polymer actuators (smart muscle)
• Information technology: Optical switches, mirror systems, read/write heads

Bibliography

• Lecture notes
• D. Jendritza, Technischer Einsatz Neuer Aktoren: Grundlagen, Werkstoffe, Designregeln und Anwendungsbeispiele, Expert-Verlag, 3. Auflage, 2008
• M. Kohl, Shape Memory Microactuators, M. Kohl, Springer-Verlag Berlin, 2004
• N.TR. Nguyen, S.T. Wereley, Fundamentals and applications of Microfluidics, Artech House, Inc. 2002
• Y. Bar-Cohen, Electroactive Polymer (EAP) Actuators as Artificial Muscles, SPIE – The International Society for Optical Engineering, 2004