Design and analysis of the apparatus for meso-scale friction force testing

For the study between macro and micro friction force test and experimentation, a novel micro force testing apparatus is built up in this paper. In this apparatus the force sensing system is the key component, which determines the measuring accuracy and scope. The structure of force sensing system is designed and optimized on the basis of the theoretical calculation and finite element analysis. The sensing system is calibrated using the high-precision electronic balance. Results show that the deflection of force sensing structure is proportional to the applied force, which is consistent with the results of the theoretical calculation and finite element analysis.