Prediction of contact length, contact pressure and indentation depth of Au/carbon nanotube composite micro electrical contact using finite element modeling

In this paper, electrical contact surfaces are investigated to predict and visualize the contact length, contact pressure and indentation depth under applied force. CNT-CNT, Au-CNT, Au-Au, and Au/CNT-Au/CNT contact pairs have been considered for the analysis. Finite Element Modeling (FEM) and analysis is carried out for 2D, semi-circle-square microelectrical contact using COMSOL multiphysics simulation tool. Predicted values are compared with the Hertz model analytical calculations. Contact length and indentation depth of Au/CNT-Au/CNT > Au-Au > Au-CNT > CNT-CNT on the application of force. Also the contact pressure of Au/CNT-Au/CNT < Au-Au < Au-CNT < CNT-CNT. Results indicate that Au/CNT-Au/CNT contact surface performs better for electrical contact applications. When force ranges from 36 mu N to 65 mu N applied on Au/CNT-Au/CNT composite electrical pair, contact length changes from 115.06 nm to 154.61 nm. Also the contact pressures of 1.99 GN/m(2) -02.68 GN/m(2) and indentation depth of 8.14 nm-12.05 nm are observed. These results would be useful in the design of electrical contacts, RF ohmic contacts, nanoelectromechanical system relays, microelectromechanical system switches, nanomanufacturing, and material characterization.