Finite element simulation and parameter optimization of a flexible tactile pressure sensor array
Name
62785446-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
4.87 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
ed762ce293855a645d28ef4fe1285661
Author(s)
Lee, Shira M. (Shira Miriam)
Advisor(s)
Mandayam Srinivasan.
Date Issued
2005
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
A finite element model was developed to optimize design of a flexible tactile sensor. The sensor consists of layers of thin-film copper and PDMS, and the model can be used to determine the effects on sensor sensitivity and durability of variations in material properties and geometry. The model was used to study the effect of variations in copper thickness. Four copper thicknesses, 0.3[mu]m, 0.5[mu]m, 3[mu]m, and 9[mu]m, were analyzed under a range of pressure loads. The thickness of the copper affected both the stress in the material and the displacement of the copper when a pressure load was applied to the sensor model. The stress in the sensor was highest for 3[mu]m copper, potentially causing decreased durability in this sensor. The separation between the copper strips beneath the pressure load was highest for 9[mu]m copper, so this sensor may have lower accuracy for small loads. Thin copper strips are challenging to manufacture, so the largest but most accurate and durable copper strip thickness, 0.5[mu]m, is recommended from this analysis.
Description
Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2005.
Includes bibliographical references.
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Terms of Use
M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
Persistent DSpace Link
