Modeling the effect of varying electrical voltage on the plastic deformation of a single asperity in hot-switched RF MEMS contacts

J. W. Crill, D. L. Irving, C. W. Padgett, M. Zikry, D. W. Brenner

Research output: Contribution to book or proceedingConference articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The pull-apart of a single asperity gold-gold contact with and without current flow was investigated using large-scale molecular dynamics simulations coupled to a continuum treatment of Joule heating and heat transfer. The initial interface geometry, which was derived from a finite element fractal model of a contact blunted by plasticity, contained an asperity with a contact area of 40 nm2 that was brought into contact with a flat substrate of area 1850 nm . As the contact is pulled apart, the simulations show dislocation emission from steps in the substrate surrounding the asperity contact, as well as a nanowire being drawn between the surfaces with a radius much smaller than that of the initial asperity contact. The results indicate that both the wire-pulling and dislocation emission characteristics are highly dependent on the level of voltage applied, with a marked difference between constant voltage and constant current conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings - Nano- and Microscale Materials-Mechanical Properties and Behavior under Extreme Environments
PublisherMaterials Research Society
Pages185-190
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781615673865
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventNano- and Microscale Materials-Mechanical Properties and Behavior under Extreme Environments - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Dec 1 2008Dec 5 2008

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume1137
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Conference

ConferenceNano- and Microscale Materials-Mechanical Properties and Behavior under Extreme Environments
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period12/1/0812/5/08

Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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