Pull-In Instability Of Micro-Switch Actuators: Model Review

The existing three widely used pull-in theoretical models (i.e., one-dimensional lumped model, linear supposition model and planar model) are compared with the nonlinear beam mode in this paper by considering both cantilever and fixed-fixed type micro and nano-switches. It is found that the error of the pull-in parameters between one-dimensional lumped model and the nonlinear beam model is large because the denominator of the electrostatic force is minimal when the electrostatic force is computed at the maximum deflection along the beam. Since both the linear superposition model and the slender planar model consider the variation of electrostatic force with the beam's deflection, these two models not only are of the same type but also own little error of the pull-in parameters with the nonlinear beam model, the error brought by these two models attributes to that the boundary conditions are not completely satisfied when computing the numerical integration of the deflection.

Thermal cracking of aviation kerosene for scramjet applications

Thermal cracking of China No.3 aviation kerosene was studied experimentally and analytically under supercritical conditions relevant to regenerative cooling system for Mach-6 scramjet applications. A two-stage heated tube system with cracked products collection/analysis was used and it can achieve a fuel temperature range of 700-1100 K, a pressure range of 3.5-4.5 MPa and a residence time of approximately 0.5-1.3 s. Compositions of the cracked gaseous products and mass flow rate of the kerosene flow at varied temperatures and pressures were obtained experimentally. A one-step lumped model was developed with the cracked mixtures grouped into three categories: unreacted kerosene, gaseous products and residuals including liquid products and carbon deposits. Based on the model, fuel conversion on the mass basis, the reaction rate and the residence time were estimated as functions of temperature. Meanwhile, a sonic nozzle was used for the control of the mass flow rate of the cracked kerosene, and correlation of the mass flow rate gives a good agreement with the measurements.