Capillary Forces in Microassembly [recurso electrónico] : Modeling, Simulation, Experiments, and Case Study / by Pierre Lambert.

Microassembly Specificities -- From Conventional Assembly to Microassembly -- Classification of Forces Acting in the Microworld -- Handling Principles for Microassembly -- Conclusions -- Modeling and Simulation of Capillary Forces -- First Set of Parameters -- State of the Art on the Capillary Force Models at Equilibrium -- Static Simulation at Constant Volume of Liquid -- Comparisons Between the Capillary Force Models -- Example 1: Application to the Modeling of a Microgripper for Watch Bearings -- Second Set of Parameters -- Limits of the Static Simulation -- Approaching Contact Distance, Rupture Criteria, and Volume Repartition After Separation -- Example 2: Numerical Implementation of the Proposed Models -- Conclusions of the Theoretical Study of Capillary Forces -- Experimental Aspects -- Test Bed and Characterization -- Results -- Example 3: Application to the Watch Bearing -- Example 4: Application to the Watch Bearing -- Conclusions -- General Conclusions and Perspectives -- Conclusions and Perspectives -- Appendices -- Modeling Complements -- Geometry Complements -- Comparison Between Both Approaches -- Symbols.

Capillary Forces in Microassembly discusses the use of capillary forces as a gripping principle in microscale assembly. Clearly written and well-organized, this text brings together physical concepts at the microscale with practical applications in micromanipulation. Throughout this work, the reader will find a review of the existing gripping principles, elements to model capillary forces as well as descriptions of the simulation and experimental test bench developed to study the design parameters. Using well-known concepts from surface science (such as surface tension, capillary effects, wettability, and contact angles) as inputs to mechanical models, the amount of effort required to handle micro-components is predicted. These developments are then applied in a case study concerning the pick and place of balls in a watch ball bearing. Researchers and engineers involved in micromanipulation and precision assembly will find this a highly useful reference for microassembly system design and analysis.