Abstract
Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators have generated a great deal of interest in recent years due to their reusability and ability to exhibit a wide spectrum of actuation properties. In this work we present an analytical approach through which one may predict the actuation stroke as well as recovery potential of a two-component SMA-based composite actuator. The predictions of the analytical model were validated using Finite Element (FE) simulations on a composite SMA actuator designed in the form of an SMA strip embedded within an elastic matrix, where the shape memory effect of the SMA component was modelled using the numerical Souza-Auricchio model. The results obtained from the two approaches show extremely good agreement. The trends found upon altering various geometric and material parameters within the system provide a thorough understanding of how one can vary these parameters in order to obtain a tailored actuation and recovery response from the SMA-based actuator.
Highlights
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are materials that ‘remember’ their shape after loading and return to their original conformation after heating [1–5]
Since unit thickness is assumed for the Finite Element (FE) simulation, the cross-sectional area of the SMA component is equal to hSMA
In this work we have presented an analytical model which may be used to predict the actuation stroke and recovery of an SMA composite actuator
Summary
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are materials that ‘remember’ their shape after loading and return to their original conformation after heating [1–5]. An analytical model which can predict the actuation output and recovery of the actuator was derived and validated using Finite Element (FE) simulations This model is expected to facilitate the pre-design of SMA composite actuators by quantifying the relationship between the material properties of the individual components of the composite and the geometric parameters of the system. This model improves on previous models found currently in literature [22,33] by considering the recovery potential of the actuator and by considering the force-displacement behaviour of the martensitic SMA in terms of three distinct regions rather than as one linear model
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