Cross-shaped twisting structure using SMA-based smart soft composite

• Published in: International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology Vol. 1; no. 2; pp. 153 - 156
• Main Authors: Rodrigue, Hugo, Wang, Wei, Bhandari, Binayak, Han, Min-Woo, Ahn, Sung-Hoon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Korean Society for Precision Engineering 01.04.2014; Springer Nature B.V; 한국정밀공학회
• Subjects: Angles (geometry); Cross-sections; Energy Efficiency; Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Intermetallic compounds; Morphing; Nickel base alloys; Nickel compounds; Nickel titanides; Polydimethylsiloxane; Shape memory alloys; Short Communication; Silicone resins; Sustainable Development; Titanium compounds; Twisting; 기계공학; Smart soft composite (SSC); Cross-shaped; Shape memory alloy (SMA); Twisting actuator
• ISSN: 2288-6206; 2198-0810
• DOI: 10.1007/s40684-014-0020-5

This paper introduces a novel geometry for a pure-twisting soft morphing actuator that improves the stability of the actuator and allows it to obtain a larger twisting angle. The smart soft composite (SSC) actuator uses pair of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) wires embedded in a cross-shaped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix at constant and opposite eccentricity across the cross-section in opposite directions in order to produce a twisting motion. To evaluate the twisting performance of the cross-shaped actuator, specimens with rectangular cross-sections and cross-shaped cross-sections are made and their twist angles are measured and compared. Results show that the cross-shaped actuator is capable of a higher twisting rate by using a thinner flange due to a more stable twisting motion.