Microfabricated Sequential-Leaf Time Delay Mechanisms
Jing Liu and Don L. DeVoe - CECD, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Lawrence Fan - Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, MD
Arrays of micromechanical sequential-leaf time delay mechanisms based on SOI/DRIE technology are being designed, fabricated, and characterized. The devices are designed as elements of a larger fuzing system for rifled munitions, in which a passive timing mechanism triggers at a predetermined rotational speed, followed by a desired delay time before the next element of the munition fuzing train is activated. Analytical models for the micromechanical timing mechanisms have been developed, and a variety of designs were simulated from the linear and nonlinear models, and using dynamics simulation software. Fabricated mechanism arrays designed to initiate switching at centrifugal accelerations from 44 to 263 g have been characterized using a high-speed camera, with delay times of between 0.67 and 0.95 ms achieved for single elements within the arrays. Measured delay times and switching accelerations follow predicted trends based on analytical and numerical models.
Electron micrograph showing a single released device element with inset magnification of locking interface between adjacent elements.
Contact:
Dr. Don DeVoe
Phone: 301.405.8125
Email: ddev@umd.edu
Website: Dr. Don DeVoe
