Increasing stroke and output force of linear shape memory actuators by elastic compensation

Mechatronics ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 570-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Scirè Mammano ◽  
E. Dragoni
Author(s):  
Giovanni Scirè Mammano ◽  
Eugenio Dragoni

The design of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators typically compromises between force and stroke, the two properties being hard to achieve simultaneously. This paper presents a bow-like compliant SMA actuator aimed at improving the performance on both sides. Conceptually, the actuator is formed by two straight elastic beams hinged at the ends with an SMA wire pre-stretched in between. Heating of the alloy shortens the wire, which in turn makes the beams to buckle outward in a symmetric double-arched configuration. The transverse displacement of the beams amplifies the contraction of the wire while producing a favourable output force. The paper develops a simple, though accurate, analytical model of the actuator upon which a step-by-step design procedure is built. The numerical results for a case study are compared with the outcome of a finite element simulation.


2003 ◽  
Vol 112 ◽  
pp. 1181-1184 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Vahhi ◽  
S. Pulnev ◽  
A. Priadko

1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Lashlee ◽  
Rajendra R. Damle ◽  
Vittal S. Rao ◽  
Frank J. Kern

2014 ◽  
Vol 07 (05) ◽  
pp. 1450063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Casati ◽  
Carlo Alberto Biffi ◽  
Maurizio Vedani ◽  
Ausonio Tuissi

In this research, the high performance shape memory effect (HP-SME) is experimented on a shape memory NiTi wire, with austenite finish temperature higher than room temperature. The HP-SME consists in the thermal cycling of stress induced martensite and it allows achieving mechanical work higher than that produced by conventional shape memory actuators based on the heating/cooling of detwinned martensite. The Nitinol wire was able to recover about 5.5% of deformation under a stress of 600 MPa and to withstand about 5000 cycles before failure. HP-SME path increased the operating temperature of the shape memory actuator wire. Functioning temperatures higher than 100°C was reached.


Author(s):  
Sven Langbein ◽  
Alexander Czechowicz

Shape memory alloys (SMA) are thermally activated smart materials. Due to their ability to change into a previously imprinted actual shape through the means of thermal activation, they are suitable as actuators for mechatronical systems. Despite of the advantages shape memory alloy actuators provide, these elements are only seldom integrated by engineers into mechatronical systems. Reasons are the complex characteristics, especially at different boundary conditions and the missing simulation- and design tools. Also the lack of knowledge and empirical data are a reason why development projects with shape memory actuators often lead to failures. Therefore, a need of developing methods, standardized testing of empirical properties and computer aided simulation tools is motivated. While computer-aided approaches have been discussed in further papers, as well as standardization potentials of SMA actuators, this paper focuses on a developing method for SMA actuators. The main part of the publication presents the logical steps which have to be passed, in order to develop an SMA actuator, considering several options like mechanical, thermal, and electrical options. As a result of the research work, the paper proves this method by one example in the field of SMA-valve technology.


Author(s):  
Andrea Spaggiari ◽  
Igor Spinella ◽  
Eugenio Dragoni

The paper presents the design equations for an on-off shape memory alloy actuator under an arbitrary system of external constant forces. A binary SMA actuator is considered where a cursor is moved against both conservative and dissipative force which may be different during the push or pull phase. Three cases are analyzed and differentiated in the way the bias force is applied to the primary SMA spring, using a constant force, a traditional spring, or a second SMA spring. Closed-form dimensionless design equations are developed, which form the basis of a step-by-step procedure for an optimal design of the whole actuator.


Author(s):  
Horst Meier ◽  
Alexander Czechowicz

Shape memory alloys (SMA) are thermally activated smart materials. Due to their ability to change into a previously imprinted actual shape through the means of thermal activation, they are suitable as actuators for mechatronical systems. Despite of the advantages shape memory alloy actuators provide (lightweight-actuators, lower costs…etc.) these elements are only seldom integrated by engineers into mechatronical systems. The reason for this phenomenon is the insufficiently described dynamic behavior, especially at different boundary conditions. Also the lack of empirical data (like fatigue behavior and thermal balances) is a reason why development projects with shape memory actuators lead often to failures. Therefore a need of developing methods, standardized testings of empirical properties and computer aided actuator development systems is motivated. Based on an analysis of energy fluxes into and out of the actuator, a numerical model, implemented in MATLAB/SIMULINK is presented. The numerical model includes also a configuration and design tool which allows simulating different solutions to a problem. Additionally, this paper describes a development method for SMA which is fitted to uniqueness of these smart materials. In conclusion, this paper compares the conventional developing process to the presented method applying a mechatronical SMA-device.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document