Author(s)

K.J. Obata, S. Saito & K. Takahashi

Abstract

In the micrometer range, it is difficult to manipulate objects with a hand or gripper because the effects of the adhesional forces induced by solid-solid contact cannot be neglected at such scales. However, if capillary phenomena could be controlled, we could apply it to counteract the effects of the adhesional forces since capillary force is known to be potentially greater than adhesional force. In this article, we present an analysis of the liquid bridge for micromanipulation. The stability of the bridge and the capillary force are evaluated in all possible range of contact angles and that of liquid volumes in order to predict and control the bridge-collapsing conditions. The capillary force-curves: the relationship between the capillary force and the distance between solids can be classified in four

Keywords