Performance range of SMA actuator wires and SMA-FRP structure in terms of manufacturing, modeling and actuation

• Published in: Smart materials and structures Vol. 22; no. 9; pp. 94002 - 1-10
• Main Authors: Hübler, M, Gurka, M, Schmeer, S, Breuer, U P
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.09.2013; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Actuation; Computer simulation; Exact sciences and technology; Fiber reinforced plastics; Finite element method; General equipment and techniques; Hybrid structures; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Mathematical models; Physics; Shape memory alloys; Transducers; Wire; Actuators; Nickel alloys; Deflection; Fiber reinforced material; Finite element method; Phenomenological model; Titanium alloys; Manufacturing processes; Shape memory alloy; Bending; Modelling; Carbon fiber reinforced plastics; Thin wall; Transition element alloys
• ISSN: 0964-1726; 1361-665X
• DOI: 10.1088/0964-1726/22/9/094002

In this contribution we present a comprehensive theoretical and experimental description of an active shape memory alloy (SMA) fiber reinforced composite (FRP) hybrid structure. The major influences on actuation performance arising from variations in the design and manufacturing process are discussed, utilizing a new phenomenological model to describe the actuating SMA material. The different material properties for the activated, respective the unactivated, SMA as well as the influence of different loading conditions or pre-treatment of the material are taken into account in this model. To validate our material model we performed new actuation experiments with an exemplary SMA-FRP structure, which we compared to finite element (FE) simulation results. Our FE-model is based on a material model for the actuating SMA elements derived from experiments and data on the actual microscopic geometry of the hybrid composite. Therefore it is able to predict very precisely the actuation behavior of a typical FRP structure for industrial use cases: a thin walled CFRP sheet with SMA wires attached to the top for performing a bending motion with a maximum deflection of approx. 25% of its length.