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Mechanical deflection of cantilever microbeams: A new technique for testing the mechanical properties of thin films

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

T. P. Weihs
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
S. Hong
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
J. C. Bravman
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
W. D. Nix
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
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Abstract

The mechanical deflection of cantilever microbeams is presented as a new technique for testing the mechanical properties of thin films. Single-layer microbeams of Au and SiO2 have been fabricated using conventional silicon micromachining techniques. Typical thickness, width, and length dimensions of the beams are 1.0,20, and 30 μm, respectively. The beams are mechanically deflected by a Nanoindenter, a submicron indentation instrument that continuously monitors load and deflection. Using simple beam theory and the load-deflection data, the Young's moduli and the yield strengths of thin-film materials that comprise the beams are determined. The measured mechanical properties are compared to those obtained by indenting similar thin films supported by their substrate.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1988

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References

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