Simulation and experiments of micro-manipulator based on liquid-drop

Numerical fluid dynamics model of a liquid-drop micro-manipulator was built to investigate its control mechanism. Computational simulation was conducted to analyze the relationship between the shape of the liquid-drop adhered to the end of the micro-manipulator and the end shape of the micro-manipulator. The factors affecting the performance of the micro-manipulator were discussed. Experiments were carried out to verify the correctness of numerical simulation model and feasibility of the micro-manipulation method as well as the implementation of the micro-manipulator. Both the experiment results and simulation results indicate that this micro-manipulator can adjust the shape of liquid drop sticking to its end by changing the boundary surface between the liquid and needles with different combinations of six tungsten needles motion. The orientation of a tiny object attached to the liquid-drop by surface tension force can be adjusted subsequently as it alters with the shape of liquid drop. The liquid-drop micro-manipulator can be used in operating different targets in micro devices assembly by changing the parameters of the micro-manipulator, such as the size, number or displacement of the tungsten needles, as well as liquid properties.