Implementation of Accelerometers with Beams Based on Flexible Arrays Using PLA, at millimeter scale

In this paper, simulated and experimental analysis of an accelerometer with beams based on arrangements of segments of different width is performed. A comparison with an accelerometer of uniform beams is carried out. Micro accelerometers were scaled to obtain millimeter lengths to obtain low cost prototypes and the possibility to test them, also using an experimental set-up of low cost. The simulation tool employed is Ansys. For experimental validation, additive manufacture using PLA, a type of thermoplastic polymer, is considered. The parameter under analysis is the displacement the proof mass of accelerometers. The larger displacement was obtained for the case of symmetrical beams, with a thinner width equals to 1/3 of width the uniform beam, but a decrease in the natural frequency of the system was also obtained.