Abstract
This chapter discusses the nonlinear dynamics of an electrically actuated resonator as a case study in some depth. Several experimental data of the static and dynamic responses will be shown. After that, we discuss several modeling and simulation techniques to explain the measurements, particularly, the measured pull-in data. A shooting technique to find periodic motion and a basin-of-attraction technique will be illustrated and demonstrated. These are used to shed light on the fractal or chaotic-like nature of the dynamic behavior near the pull-in regime. Bifurcation analysis will be conducted based on the so-called Dover-Cliff integrity curves, which help justify the experimental measurements. This complicated behavior of the resonator will be then proposed to realize a new class of devices that combines the functionality of a mass detector and a switch. Finally, delayed-feedback control technique will be demonstrated as a powerful method to enhance the stability of the resonator.