Mechanics of Stretchable Electronics

本研究旨在为新兴的可拉伸电子领域开发力学理论，即，电子设备在工作时可以充分弯曲和伸展，这将彻底改变日常生活的许多方面，从人造肌肉到可穿戴计算机。 为了制造脆性半导体材料（例如，硅）可拉伸，力学起着不可或缺的作用。 待开发的理论研究与可拉伸电子产品相关的力学问题，并最终帮助实现完全可拉伸性的功能。 它在以下两个方面不同于现有的薄膜研究：（1）有限变形效应，因为可拉伸电子器件可能经历大的变形（超过50%的应变）;以及（2）极大的薄膜/基板弹性失配，在可拉伸电子器件中的柔性基板和刚性薄膜的弹性模量中的大约5个数量级的差异。 对这些问题的全面研究将为可拉伸电子器件的成功开发提供所需的核心知识，并为具有极高拉伸性的电子器件薄膜/基板系统的设计和加工提供新的方法。 拟议的方案还包括强有力和积极的教育方案。 除了根据该领域的最新知识开发新课程外，还将开发特别强调妇女和美洲印第安学生的校内和校外课程，如美洲印第安学生夏季轮换，以促进代表性不足的群体参与可拉伸电子产品的开发。

This research aims to develop a mechanics theory for the emerging field of stretchable electronics, i.e., electronics devices can be fully flexed and stretched while function, which will revolutionize many aspects of daily life, from artificial muscle to wearable computers. To make brittle semiconductor materials (e.g., silicon) stretchable, mechanics plays an indispensable role. The theory to be developed investigates the mechanics issues associated with stretchable electronics and eventually aids in realizing the function of full stretchability. It is different from existing thin film studies in the following two aspects: (1) finite deformation effect since stretchable electronics may experience large deformation (more than 50% strain); and (2) extremely large thin film/substrate elastic mismatch, about 5 orders of magnitude difference in the elastic moduli of compliant substrate and stiff thin film in stretchable electronics. The comprehensive investigation of these issues will provide the core knowledge needed for the successful development of stretchable electronics.This work will result in new methodologies for the design and processing of thin film/substrate system for electronics with extremely high stretchability. The proposed program also includes strong and active education programs. Besides new course development based on the state-of-the-art knowledge of this field, on- and off-campus programs with specific emphasis on women and American Indian students, such as Summer Rotation for American Indians Students, will be developed to promote the involvement of underrepresented groups in the development of stretchable electronics.