Design and modeling of a micromechanical surface bonding system

Optimization of the design of a micromechanical surface fastening system is discussed based on a simple cantilevered beam model. Theoretical estimates indicate that the bonding strength of these microstructures can be as high as 11-17 MPa, or 1500-2000 psi. The equivalent surface energy corresponding to the stored strain energy during separation of two interlocked sample pairs is 14.6 mu J/cm/sup 2/. The authors also report preliminary experimental results; a bonding strength of 1.1 MPa or 160 psi per unit interlocked area has been achieved, which is in agreement with the theoretical approximation.<>