Design and finite element simulation of shape memory polyurethane self-deforming structures

Abstract

Materials with shape memory effect (SME) can be used as the actuators of self-deforming structures, but the existing ways to design and select actuators with SME are complicated. In this work, an efficient and easy idea was proposed to select the shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) actuator with different designed shapes and sizes. First, the mechanical and shape memory experiments of SMPU were performed to obtain the basic mechanical and shape memory properties. Then, a self-deforming structure was designed by introducing the SMPU actuators with different shapes and sizes. Next, to select the optimal structural SMPU actuators, the finite element analysis was carried out by simulating the self-deforming process. Finally, based on the criteria of the minimal unrecoverable strain and maximum recovery bending moment, two kinds of actuators were chosen to drive the designed self-deforming structure cooperatively. Comparing the simulated and experimental self-deforming process, the feasibility of this method was verified. This work plays a guide in designing and selecting the actuators for self-deforming structures.