Complex dynamics of a bistable electrically charged microcantilever: Transition from single well to cross well oscillations

Abstract We study dynamics of a micro-electro-mechanical system designed for energy harvesting. We explore bistability using an electrostatic system which is based on the repulsive interaction between two electrets. The system is composed of two micro cantilever beams locally charged in both tip free ends. Transition from a single potential well oscillations to cross-well motion is analysed. In particular, we analyse the effect of asymmetry in the potential wells and an escape phenomenon from the wells by using the Melnikov approach. The results were confirmed by numerical simulations.