linzidodd Blog, Microgrippercms, Microgrippers, Research, Teaching

Microgripper on COMSOL – vertical arm deflection

In order to support undergraduate projects, a number of COMSOL Multiphysics simulations have been created to determine the accuracy of experimental results.  The two main projects this year centre around the thickness of the top SU8 layer and the impact of it on the moving speed of the device, and on the manual deflection of the arms and the associated stresses within the arm.  Here’s a quick animation created in COMSOL showing an arm being deflected (please click on the image for the animation to start).

 

This simulation was created by applying a deflection in the z direction to the end of the gripper arm, which may result in the arm being stretched, therefore a more realistic approach was sought, in the form of an applied load to the end of the arm:

video-mass-zoom

As can be seen, the difference appears to be minimal, however, the y component of the displacement is indeed fixed for a set z deflection. By comparison, when applying a mass, the y deflection varies by 11 microns.

More information on the other project to follow!

linzidodd Blog, Teaching

Teaching Fellowship

As of October 1st 2013, Linzi has been working in the School of Engineering and Computing Sciences as a part time teaching fellow.  Courses on this role included:

  • Level 3 Real Time Computing
  • Level 3 MEng Electronic CAD
  • Level 4 COMSOL

Level 3 Real Time Computing

This role involves teaching over 100 3rd year engineering and computing science undergraduates on a real time computing course through both a lecture course and supervised laboratory sessions.  The coursework is assessed via summative coursework and bench tests.

Level 3 MEng Electronic CAD

This role involves lecturing and supervising laboratory session with assessment via summative coursework.  The course involves teaching students how to use DesignSpark schematic and PCB software and to interface with LTspice to design and simulate electronic circuits, then design an associated printed circuit board (PCB).

Level 4 COMSOL

This role involves demonstrating and supervising laboratory session on COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software.  Students work through existing simulations, followed by a summative simulation and associated report.  There is a focus on creating an accurate geometry and mesh and then applying physics correctly to the geometry in order to obtain an accurate results.