Sensitivity Analysis of Coulomb and HK Friction Models in 2D AFM-Based Nano-Manipulation: Sobol Method

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Robotic Research Laboratory, Center of Excellence in Experimental Solid Mechanics and Dynamics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, I. R. Iran

Abstract

Nanotechnology involves the ability to see and control individual atoms and molecules which are about 100
nanometer or smaller. One of the major tools used in this field is atomic force microscopy which uses a
wealth of techniques to measure the topography and investigates the surface forces in nanoscale. Friction
force is the representation of the surface interaction between two surfaces and surface topology. In order to
have more precise nano-manipulation, friction models must be developed. In this study a sensitivity analysis
has been conducted for nano-manipulation of nanoparticles toward dimensional and environmental
parameters based on Coulomb and Hurtado and Kim (HK) friction models using Sobol method. Previously
graphical sensitivity analysis has been used for this target in which the percentage of importance of
parameters is not taken into account. But in Sobol method as a statistical model this problem is solved.
Results show that cantilever thickness is the most effective dimensional parameter on critical force value
while cantilever length and width are of less importance. Environmental parameters such as cantilever
elasticity modulus, substrate velocity and adhesion, respectively, take next orders.

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