Nonlinear approach for strain energy release rate in micro cantilevers

An analytical Mixed Mode I & II crack propagation model is used to analyze the experimental results of stiction failed microcantilevers on a rigid substrate and to determine the critical strain energy release rate (adhesion energy). Using nonlinear beam deflection theory, the shape of the beam being peeled off of a rigid substrate can be accurately modeled. Results show that the model can fit the experimental data with an average root mean square error of less than 5 nm even at relatively large deflections which happens in some MEMS applications. The effects of surface roughness and/or debris are also explored and contrasted with perfectly (atomically) flat surfaces. Herein it is shown that unlike the macro-scale crack propagation tests, the surface roughness and debris trapped between the micro cantilever and the substrate can drastically effect the energy associated with creating unit new surface areas and also leads to some interesting phenomena. The polysilicon micro cantilever samples used, were fabricated by SUMMiT VTM technology in Sandia National Laboratories and were 1000 mm long, 30 mm wide and 2.6 mm thick.