Domain decomposition and model order reduction methods applied to the simulation of multi-physics problems in MEMS

Coupled electro-mechanical problems are frequently encountered when dealing with micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) with capacitive actuation and/or readout systems; their numerical solution can be extremely time consuming, due to the nonlinearity of the coupling terms. Coupled electrostatic – structural dynamic simulations are carried out in this paper through an innovative numerical procedure, based on the combined use of a domain decomposition technique and of a proper orthogonal decomposition methodology. The approach is assessed through the analysis of the dynamic response of a doubly clamped beam and of a plane resonator subjected to an electrostatic actuation, showing computational gains up to 98%.

► An innovative approach for the solution of coupled electro-mechanical problems is proposed. ► A combined used of domain decomposition and proper orthogonal decomposition methods is proposed. ► The computational gain with respect to a classical staggered procedure is up to 98%. ► Realistic examples concerning MEMS are discussed.