Self-sensing-based deflection control of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP)-based shape memory alloy hybrid composite beams

Abstract

The fabrication of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP)-based shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) beams is highly challenging because conductive carbon fibres alter the electrical characteristics of the beams when driven by an electrical current. Here, we propose and fabricate a CFRP-based SMAHC beam with embedded SMA actuators using the electrical insulation methods. We firstly implemented a self-sensing-based deflection control of the CFRP-based SMAHC beam for unit-step and sinusoidal wave targets using its resistance as a feedback signal for estimating self-sensed deflection. The results reveal that the deflection was well controlled; however, the responses were slightly delayed. Therefore, in our future studies, we will concentrate on overcoming this response delay. Nevertheless, we found that the proposed SMAHC beam is highly feasible and can form the basis for future self-sensing-based controllable CFRP composite morphing structures.