Thermal–electric characterization and modelling of a smart composite structure for architectural applications

Abstract

A composite structure consisting of a shape memory polymer (SMP) matrix with embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) strips was constructed. The SMA strips acted as actuators in order to realize a reversible 90 degree deformation. The deformation was activated by local heating. The polymer matrix enabled the structural fixation of the deformations. The polymer showed rigid characteristics at a low temperature range. During the morphing stage, the polymer was heated locally to a rubbery condition to allow shape changes. The SMA actuators were able to deform the structure upon thermal activation, after which the new structural shape was fixated by cooling the polymer into a rigid, glassy state. Since the exact timing and amount of heating power of both the SMA strips and the SMP matrix was crucial for the functioning of the smart structure, a detailed numerical thermal model was built and validated using thermal imaging. With this validated numerical model the optimum activation conditions were determined.