Materials & Process Selection: Publications
Materials selection for precision instruments
D. Cebon and M.F. Ashby
Meas. Science and Technology, Vol 5, pp 296-306, 1994
Full Paper (only available in
cam.ac.uk domain)
Abstract
This paper is concerned with the choice of the materials to minimise the deformation of mechanical
components caused by extraneous thermal and vibrational inputs. First, material 'performance
indices' (combinations of material properties) are derived for systems subjected to low frequency
sinusoidal vibration inputs and for systems subjected to broad-band excitation. A methodology is
developed for optimising the choice of material to minimise deformation due to vibration in such
systems. Second, materials selection to minimise distortion caused by spurious thermal fluxes is
discussed and a performance index which captures the relevant material property combinations is
derived. Finally, a technique for reconciling the conflicting design goals of vibration and
thermal distortion is considered.
The material selection procedure makes use of 'materials selection charts' - a new way of
displaying material property data. When combined with the performance indices these allow a number
of novel optimisation procedures. Section shape can be included, allowing the optimum selection of
both material and shape. The method is illustrated through a case study involving selection of a
material for the frame of an Atomic Force Microscope with sub-nanometre resolution.
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