Tailorable and Repeatable Normal Contact Stiffness via Micropatterned Interfaces

Abstract An approach to producing interfaces with tailored and repeatable normal contact stiffness using micropatterned surfaces is developed. A finite element model first used design square wave having a range of stiffnesses, these are fabricated in polycarbonate via microfabrication process. Results demonstrate that the stiffnesses both tailorable repeatable. The can be broadened other materials useful for applications requiring specified interface stiffness. Finally, even deterministic interfaces, we show low levels roughness on surface features sufficient produce load-dependent at lower loads. Therefore, tailorability mostly applicable above this limit where total converges load-independent value. Graphic