Exploring the design and use of micro- and meso-actuators, this book begins with theory and a general synopsis of the state-of-the-art in theoretical research. It discusses how to employ modern approaches in research and design activity, then presents a systematic list of already available products and details their potential for use. Design possibilities based on new technologies are clearly separated from those due to scale reduction, aiding in the selection of proper technology. The author takes a multi-physic approach to guarantee a comprehensive modeling technique, while the many references to experimental data and to existing microacutators assure an effective applicability of proposed theories.

This book presents a basic introduction to micromechanisms and microactuators, particularly to their basic configurations and design. This book fills the persisting gap in the published literature on the mechanical manipulative aspects of micromechanisms. It also helps in offering specialized introductory courses on micromechanisms and microactuators not as part of MEMS sensing devices, but as mechanical manipulative systems. The level of the book is suitable for use in both undergraduate and introductory graduate programmes. The book presents an overview of miniaturization and scaling laws, basic design principles of micro-sized mechanisms and actuators, micro-fabrication processes, and some futuristic issues. The volume contains a large number of figures and illustrations for easy understanding by the readers. It will also be useful to researchers and professionals looking for an introduction to the topic.

This book brings together investigations which combine theoretical and experimental results related to such systems as flexure hinges and compliant mechanisms for precision applications, the non-linear analytical modeling of compliant mechanisms, mechanical systems using compliance as a bipedal robot and reconfigurable tensegrity systems and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) as energy efficient micro-robots, microscale force compensation, magnetoelectric micro-sensors, acoustical actuators and the wafer bonding as a key technology for the MEMS fabrication. The volume gathers the contributions presented at the 6th Conference on Microactuators, Microsensors and Micromechanisms (MAMM), held in Hyderabad, India in December 2022. The aim of the conference was to provide a special opportunity for a know-how exchange and collaboration in various disciplines concerning systems pertaining to micro-technology. The conference was organized under the patronage of IFToMM (International Federation for the Promotion of Mechanism and Machine Science).

The giant magneto-strain effect in Ni-Mn-Ga alloys is particularly attractive for actuator applications. Two different approaches are being pursued to develop MSM microactuators. To observe large deflections of Ni-Mn-Ga microactuators, the material should be exhibiting low twinning stress and large magnetic anisotropy. In addition, design rules and boundary conditions for operating the Ni-Mn-Ga actuator material are having significant importance for evolution of performance characteristics.

Next-Generation Actuators Leading Breakthroughs is the proceedings of the final symposium of MEXT Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Areas: Next-Generation Actuators Leading Breakthroughs, held in January 2010. Since the realization of next-generation actuators requires an interdisciplinary approach, the research has been organized according to a broad technological perspective that consists of: actuators for small motion of nano-meters, small-size actuators of micro-meters structures, intelligent actuators for functional motions, power actuators for large force/torque and actuators for special environments. Next-Generation Actuators Leading Breakthroughs also deals with common fundamental technologies for these actuators, such as intelligent materials, machining processes, control technologies, evaluation methods, and system integration. It provides cutting-edge research for researchers, postgraduates, and practitioners in mechanical, electrical, and materials industries.

Advances in Heat Transfer fills the information gap between regularly scheduled journals and university level textbooks by providing in-depth review articles over a broader scope than in journals or texts. The articles, which serve as a broad review for experts in the field, will also be of great interest to non-specialists who need to keep up-to- date with the results of the latest research. It is essential reading for all mechanical, chemical and industrial engineers working in the field of heat transfer, graduate schools or industry. - Provides an overview of review articles on topics of current interest - Bridges the gap between academic researchers and practitioners in industry - A long-running and prestigious series

With the science of robotics undergoing a major transformation just now, Springer’s new, authoritative handbook on the subject couldn’t have come at a better time. Having broken free from its origins in industry, robotics has been rapidly expanding into the challenging terrain of unstructured environments. Unlike other handbooks that focus on industrial applications, the Springer Handbook of Robotics incorporates these new developments. Just like all Springer Handbooks, it is utterly comprehensive, edited by internationally renowned experts, and replete with contributions from leading researchers from around the world. The handbook is an ideal resource for robotics experts but also for people new to this expanding field.

Increased demand for and developments in micromanufacturing have created a need for a resource that covers both the science and technology of this rapidly growing area. With contributions from eminent professors and researchers actively engaged in teaching, research, and development, Micromanufacturing Processes details the basic principles, tools,

This book covers the state-of-the-art technologies for positioning with nanometer resolutions and accuracies, particularly those based on piezoelectric actuators and MEMS actuators. The latest advances are described, including the design of nanopositioning devices, sensing and actuation technologies and control methods for nanopositioning. This is an ideal book for mechanical and electrical engineering students and researchers; micro and nanotechnology researchers and graduate students; as well as those working in the precision instrumentation or semiconductor industries.