Abstract
This work investigates a new concept of an electrostatically actuated resonant switch (EARS) for earthquake detection and low-g seismic applications. The resonator is proposed to operate close to instability bands of frequency-response curves, where it is forced to pull-in if operated within these bands. By careful tuning, the resonator can be made to enter the instability zone upon the detection of the earthquake signal, thereby pulling-in as a switch. Such a switching action can be functionalized for alarming purposes or can be used to activate a network of sensors for seismic activity recording. The EARS is modeled and its dynamic response is simulated using a nonlinear single degree of freedom model. Experimental investigation is conducted demonstrating the EARS capability of being triggered at small levels of acceleration as low as 0.02 g. Experimental data and simulation results are compared showing good agreement.