REALIZATION, CHARACTERIZATION OF MICRO PYROTECHNIC ACTUATORS AND FEM MODELING OF THE COMBUSTION IGNITION

In this paper, we present a new way to perform actuation through the u se of forces produced by pyrotechnic combustion. After describing the functioning of this so-called pyrotechnic actuator, we present the mod elling of the combustion ignition in order to find an optimal ignition system enabling minimization of ignition energy. Good agreement betwe en experience and simulation is obtained and characterizations of the pyrotechnic actuator give an idea of its performances in terms of gas yield and forces developed. The low cost and the use of a classic micr otechnology process as well as the excellent ratio between the energy produced over the power consumption give good prospects for these actu ators. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.