Design of the thermomechanical clamp joint of materials with shape memory effect for unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

Currently, materials with shape memory effect (SME) are widely utilized in the field of joining thin-walled shells. The application of SME materials in the joining of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) compartments makes it possible to increase the accuracy, high assembly manufacturability to perform multiple joint assembly-disassembly work and ensures the forces transfer from UAV different surfaces in compliance with the specified strength conditions. The paper considers a design technique for a detachable clamp (tape) joint, made up of SME material, of UAV small-diameter compartments. The clamp is an open shell made up of SME material. Before installation, the clamp is cooled, and the required shape is given to it. When heated, its diameter reduces to the specified to ensure tightness and absence of clearances in the design. The critical parameters were specified. They are required to solve the problem of parametric optimization of the clamp joint, whereby the joint will meet the strength requirements and have the minimum mass. Based on the calculation of a clamped joint, the calculation algorithm, that allows the calculation of tape connections for various diameters UAV compartments, was obtained. A computer model of joining in CAD Solid Works with the parameters that comply with the structural strength requirements was created. Based on geometry of the model and the properties of the stated materials, the calculation of structural mass under various values of the inclination angle of the clamp surface was carried out. The method of designing a clamp joint, made up of titanium nickel, is represented. The dependences of compartments joints strength on the clamp parameters and a set of parameters, allowing us to design the working structure of the clamp joint with the lowest mass, are found.