Design and Analysis of MEMS-based Microballoon Actuators for Aerodynamic Control of Flight Vehicles

The development of microelectromechanical systems (M EMS) technology and the suitability and compatibility of sizes of microactuators with the boundary layer thickness fueled the active flow separation control to gain the air flow momentum for the last few years. The present paper deals with the development of a robust, large-deflection, and large-force MEMS-based microballoon actuator for aerodynamic control of flight vehicles such as projectiles, micro air vehicles, aircrafts, etc. Experiments were carried out on the scaled-up models for different input pressure conditions to study the response of microballoon actuator. To evaluate the performance of the microballoon actuators, Simulation studies on MEMS scale models were conducted in the CoventorWare environment. Simulation studies involving static and dynamic analyses have been carried-out on the microballoon actuator models. Various geometric and input parameters influencing the behaviour of the microballoon actuator were investigated. It has been observed that a maximum deflection of 1.2 rum to 1.5 mm can be achieved using microballoon actuators and the maximum operational frequency of 60 Hz to 80 Hz can be used for the operation of microballoon actuators. Also, the sizes of the microballoon actuators designed are compatible and suitable to be used in turbulent boundary layer of acrodynamic flight vehicles.