FEM modelling of Piezo-actuated Microswitches

This article presents a study of microswitches with piezoelectric actuation. With the help of analysis modelling and FEM commercial software (ANSYS), we investigated the potentiality of AlN as piezoelectric actuator. Firstly, we compared AlN with PZT to actuate simple structures by bimorph effect as cantilever or clamped-clamped membrane. After this investigation, we focused on means to improve the deflection and the contact force of structures, by mechanical considerations, in case of an AlN actuation. This resulted in several designs of microswitches, with two different actuation mechanisms: bending or buckling. To go further, we evaluated some technological aspects as the influence of residual stresses and the shape of membrane on an AlN piezo-actuated structure