Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics · 2000 · 14 citations · 0 references
EngineeringMechanical EngineeringMachine DesignMicroelectromechanical SystemsMicrofabricationMagnetic ActuationMagnetic ActuatorsMems DesignMicrofabrication ProcessesMicromachiningBlade DesignBlade GeometryFinite Volume SimulationMagnetic MicroactuatorsMagnetic MicromotorsShapeSpiral MagnetismSwimming Mechanics
The swimming properties of spiral-type magnetic micromachines were analyzed theoretically by 2-dimensional finite volume. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical results was obtained. Swimming properties of micromachines depend strongly on the operational environment, including the flow field and machine structure. We analyzed the effect of machine shape on swimming properties. The optimum design of the blade shape was obtained by simulation. Based on optimum design, the micromachine was fabricated by stereolithography. Machine swimming agreed well with results.