Capillary Forces in Microassembly: Modeling, Simulation, Experiments, and Case StudyPaperback, 24 November 2010

This book explains the use of capillary forces as a gripping principle in microscale assembly. Clearly written and well organized, the text integrates physical concepts at the microscale level with practical applications in micromanipulation. Readers get a review of gripping principles and the elements needed to model capillary forces. Moreover, the book provides a description of the simulation and experimental tests developed to study design parameters. A detailed case study concerning the pick and place of balls in a watch's ball bearing helps readers see how theoretical concepts are applied in practice. Researchers and engineers in the fields of precision assembly, surface science, microfluidics, and micromechanics will find this a highly useful reference for microassembly system design and analysis.