Numerical Analysis of Space Deployable Structure Based on Shape Memory Polymers.

Zepeng He,Liangyu Zhao,Yang Shi,Xiangchao Feng,Pengfei Wang,Zhen Li,Yan Zhang,Chunai Dai

doi:10.3390/mi12070833

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been applied in aerospace engineering as deployable space structures. In this work, the coupled finite element method (FEM) was established based on the generalized Maxwell model and the time–temperature equivalence principle (TTEP). The thermodynamic behavior and shape memory effects of a single-arm deployment structure (F-DS) and four-arm deployment structure (F-DS) based on SMPs were analyzed using the coupled FEM. Good consistency was obtained between the experimental data and simulation data for the tensile and S-DS recovery forces, verifying that the coupled FEM can accurately and reliably describe the thermodynamic behavior and shape memory effects of the SMP structure. The step-by-step driving structure is suitable for use as a large-scale deployment structure in space. This coupled FEM provides a new direction for future research on epoxy SMPs.

Highlights

SMPs, as programmable phase change materials, can be deformed to a temporary shape under given conditions and reversed to their original permanent shape upon external stimulus [1,2,3,4]
Compared with other traditional SMPs, such as shape memory alloys and shape memory ceramics, SMPs have the advantages of light weight, low cost, good biocompatibility, and great deformation recovery [5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15]
Lendlein et al introduced a group of degradable thermoplastic polymers that were able to change their shape when the loaded temperature was increased, whereby the shape memory capability of the specimens enabled bulky implants to be placed in the body through small incisions and allowed complex mechanical deformation processes to be performed automatically [33]

Summary

Introduction

SMPs, as programmable phase change materials, can be deformed to a temporary shape under given conditions and reversed to their original permanent shape upon external stimulus [1,2,3,4]. SMPs, due to their advantages described can be developed into technology platforms that allow the tailored multifunctional design In this way, defined movements of implants triggered either directly or indirectly [27,28]; tailored mechanical properties [29,30]; and capability for sterilization [31,32], biodegradability [33], biocompatibility [34,35], and controlled drug release [33,36,37] can be achieved [20]. Neffe et al developed a ureteral stent using SMPs that can be anchored in the ureter, which could have a significant impact in terms of controlled drug release [38]

Methods

Results

Conclusion