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A critical review of microscale mechanical testing methods used in the design of microelectromechanical systems

A critical review of microscale mechanical testing methods used in the design of microelectromechanical systems
A critical review of microscale mechanical testing methods used in the design of microelectromechanical systems
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies are evolving at a rapid rate with increasing activity in the design, fabrication, and commercialization of a wide variety of microscale systems and devices. The importance of accurate mechanical property measurement for successful design was realized early on in the development of this field. Consequently, there exist many different techniques to measure quantities such as the Young’s modulus (E), yield strength (sY), fracture strength (sF), residual stress (sR),and residual stress gradient (. sR) of microscale structures and materials. We review and critically compare several of the important techniques including the microtension test, axisymmetric plate bend test, microbeam bend test, M-test, wafer curvature measurements, dynamic (resonant) tests, fabrication of passive strain sensors, and Raman spectroscopy. We discuss the characteristics of typical test structures, and the common sources of structure-related errors in measurement. A rational approach for the selection of test techniques for the design of microsystems is suggested.
mechanical properties, MEMS, design, test structures
1741-2765
228-237
Srikar, V.T.
168310a0-86f6-405e-8b9f-5c995cb5f238
Spearing, S.M.
9e56a7b3-e0e8-47b1-a6b4-db676ed3c17a
Srikar, V.T.
168310a0-86f6-405e-8b9f-5c995cb5f238
Spearing, S.M.
9e56a7b3-e0e8-47b1-a6b4-db676ed3c17a

Srikar, V.T. and Spearing, S.M. (2003) A critical review of microscale mechanical testing methods used in the design of microelectromechanical systems. Experimental Mechanics, 43 (3), 228-237. (doi:10.1177/00144851030433003).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies are evolving at a rapid rate with increasing activity in the design, fabrication, and commercialization of a wide variety of microscale systems and devices. The importance of accurate mechanical property measurement for successful design was realized early on in the development of this field. Consequently, there exist many different techniques to measure quantities such as the Young’s modulus (E), yield strength (sY), fracture strength (sF), residual stress (sR),and residual stress gradient (. sR) of microscale structures and materials. We review and critically compare several of the important techniques including the microtension test, axisymmetric plate bend test, microbeam bend test, M-test, wafer curvature measurements, dynamic (resonant) tests, fabrication of passive strain sensors, and Raman spectroscopy. We discuss the characteristics of typical test structures, and the common sources of structure-related errors in measurement. A rational approach for the selection of test techniques for the design of microsystems is suggested.

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More information

Published date: 2003
Keywords: mechanical properties, MEMS, design, test structures

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 22786
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/22786
ISSN: 1741-2765
PURE UUID: cfa8d738-81c5-4fe6-bcc9-c11ff462081e
ORCID for S.M. Spearing: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-3059-2014

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Date deposited: 10 Mar 2006
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 03:37

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Contributors

Author: V.T. Srikar
Author: S.M. Spearing ORCID iD

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