Shock protection based on confined self-adjusting carbon nanotube arrays

Abstract

We demonstrate a novel shock protector based on confined self-adjusting carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays. The CNTs with self-adjusted length are selectively synthesized on fully fabricated single crystal silicon microstructures to generate coulomb damping. The frictional contact between CNT arrays dissipates energy during impact and thus reduces the impact force applied on microstructures. The outstanding mechanical flexibility and resilience of CNTs make them suitable as a contact material that effectively absorbs energy through frictional contact preventing mechanical failure of microstructures. Experimental shock tests verify that CNT-based shock protector provides substantial survival rate of movable proof-mass compared with hard stop or compliant spring stop.