Shape Memory Composite Hands for Space Applications

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Quadrini ◽  
Giovanni Matteo Tedde ◽  
Loredana Santo
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Composite Structures ◽  
Polymer Matrix Composites ◽  
Fiber Composite ◽  
Shape Memory Polymer ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Carbon Fiber Composite ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
First Case ◽  
Shape Memory Composite

Shape memory composites combine structural properties of continuous-fiber polymer-matrix composites with functional behavior of shape memory polymers. In this study, the production of shape memory composite structures for aerospace applications is described. Small-scale grabbing systems were prototyped as they could be used for space cleaning operations. Composite hands were manufactured by using two carbon fiber composite layers with a shape memory polymer interlayer. They were produced in the closed-hand configuration and subsequently opened in the memorizing step. Due to heating, composites tended to recover the initial closed configuration, allowing to grab small objects. Two different shapes (cylindrical and cubic) were considered for composite hands. In the first case, the shape memory behavior was given to the entire structure whereas, in the second case, shape memory properties were provided only to folding zones. As a result, a good shape recovery was observed in both cases but part weight was already not negligible also in these small-scale systems.

Shape Recovery of Polymeric Matrix Composites by Irradiation

2016 ◽  
Vol 879 ◽  
pp. 1645-1650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loredana Santo ◽  
Denise Bellisario ◽  
Fabrizio Quadrini
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Fiber Composite ◽  
Shape Memory Polymer ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Initial Configuration ◽  
Conventional Heating ◽  
Carbon Fiber Composite ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Aerospace Applications ◽  
Air Gun

Shape memory composite (SMC) structures are of great interest for the aerospace applications. In previous works, the authors have studied SMC lab-scale deploying prototypes manufactured by using two carbon fiber composite layers with a shape memory polymer interlayer. The prototypes were produced in an initial configuration and subsequently it was changed in the memorizing step. The initial configuration was then recovered by heating. Memorization and recovery phases were performed by means of conventional heating (by hot air gun or heater plate). In this work, for the first time the authors evaluate the SMC heating by means of radiating lamps. A square plate was purposely produced and recovered after different memory steps. Time, temperature and recovery are measured during and after the tests. The radiating lamp power and type, and the distance of the SMC from the lamp are fundamental parameters for the heating phase. As result of the irradiation tests, the initial configuration can be successfully recovered without failures. This study is especially aimed to future space applications in which the deployment (recovery) phase will be initiated only by exposure to solar radiation.

Polymer Matrix Composites with Shape Memory Properties

2014 ◽  
Vol 783-786 ◽  
pp. 2509-2516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Quadrini
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Fiber ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Epoxy Resin ◽  
Composite Structures ◽  
Polymer Matrix Composites ◽  
Fiber Reinforced ◽  
Mechanical Stiffness ◽  
Shape Memory Properties ◽  
Carbon Fiber Reinforced ◽  
Shape Memory Composite

Shape memory composites and structures were produced by using carbon fiber reinforced prepregs and a shape memory epoxy resin. The matrix of the prepregs was an epoxy resin as well but without remarkable shape memory properties. This way, two different technical solutions were adopted. Shape memory composite tubes and plates were made by adding a shape memory layer between two carbon fiber reinforced skins. An optimal adhesion between the different layers was achieved thanks to the compatibility of the prepreg matrix and the shape memory material. Shape memory composite structures were also produced by joining composite shells with shape memory foams. Mechanical, dynamic mechanical and shape recovery tests were carried out to show the properties of the composite materials and structures. Results confirm the ability of this class of materials to easily change their shape without affecting the mechanical stiffness of the recovered structures.

Shape memory polymer composite structures with two-way shape memory effects

2012 ◽  
Vol 89 ◽  
pp. 216-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengdao Wang ◽  
Weibin Song ◽  
Liaoliang Ke ◽  
Yuesheng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Polymer Composite ◽  
Composite Structures ◽  
Shape Memory Polymer ◽  
Memory Effects ◽  
Shape Memory Effects

An Analytical Shape Memory Polymer Composite Beam Model for Space Applications

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
pp. 1450093 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Bergman ◽  
B. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Polymer Composite ◽  
Geometric Model ◽  
Shape Memory Polymer ◽  
Constitutive Law ◽  
Finite Difference Approximation ◽  
Dynamic Equations ◽  
Difference Approximation ◽  
Beam Model ◽  
Space Applications

Shape memory polymer composite (SMPC) structures, due to their ability to be formed into a small compact volume and then transform back to their original shape, are considered as a solution in the design of light-weight large deployable space structures. There is a wide array of constitutive and qualitative work being done on SMPC’s but little or no development of dynamic equations. This paper documents a macroscopic model for the shape fixation and shape recovery processes of a SMPC cantilever beam. In particular the focus is on the shape fixation process, whereby a quasi-static equilibrium model can be used instead of a full equation of motion. Numerical results are obtained in this regard by use of finite difference approximation with Newton’s method. This formulation combines a nonlinear geometric model with a temperature dependent constitutive law. Additionally, the dynamic equations of the SMPC cantilever are derived. Future work will include a dynamic numerical model, and a finite element model of the SMPC structure.

Origami-inspired shape memory dual-matrix composite structures

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (17) ◽  
pp. 2639-2647
Author(s):  
O-Hyun Kwon ◽  
Jin-Ho Roh
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Polymer Composite ◽  
Matrix Composite ◽  
Composite Structures ◽  
Shape Recovery ◽  
Shape Memory Polymer ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Woven Fabrics ◽  
Morphing Structure ◽  
Composite Skins

A sandwiched morphing structure is developed using an Origami-inspired shape memory dual-matrix composite core and shape memory polymer composite skins. The geometric parameters of the morphing structure are designed to have a zero Poisson’s ratio. In addition, an analytical model is developed to analyze the three-dimensional morphing structure easily. The shape memory dual-matrix composites are fabricated with woven fabrics based on the shape memory polymers, and an epoxy matrix is used to ensure a flexible and shape-recoverable structure. The shape recoverability of the shape memory polymer composite skins is verified by measuring the shape recovery ratio at various temperatures. Based on the tensile tests for the shape memory polymer composite skins and shape memory polymer hinges, it is found that the morphing structure can be highly flexible depending on temperature. Finally, the bending and shape recovery behaviors of the morphing structure are demonstrated.

scholarly journals Temperature sensing and actuating capabilities of polymeric shape memory composite containing thermochromic particles

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 224-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haibao Lu ◽  
Yongtao Yao ◽  
Long Lin
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Shape Memory Polymer ◽  
Thermomechanical Properties ◽  
Temperature Sensing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thermally Responsive ◽  
Shape Memory Composites ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Shape Memory Composite

Purpose – This paper aims to create and to study multifunctional shape memory polymer (SMP) composites having temperature-sensing and actuating capabilities by embedding thermochromic particles within the polymer matrix. Design/methodology/approach – The multifunctional materials were fabricated following a process consisting of blending (of the thermochromic particles and the SMP at various ratios), mixing, degasing, moulding and thermal curing, prepared by incorporating thermochromic particles within the polymer. The effect of the thermochromic particles on the thermomechanical properties and thermally responsive shape memory effect of the resulting multifunction SMP composites were characterised and interpreted. Findings – It was found that exposure of the composites to temperatures above 70°C led to a pronounced change of their colour that was recorded by the thermal and electrical actuation approaches and was reproducibly reversible. It was also found that the colour of the composites was independent of the mechanical state of the SMP. Such effects enabled monitoring of the onset of the set/release temperature of the SMP matrix. Furthermore, the combination of thermochromic additive and the SMP resulted in significantly improved thermomechanical strength, absorption of infrared radiation and the temperature distribution of the SMP composites. Research limitations/implications – The temperature-sensing and actuating capabilities of the polymeric shape memory composites developed through this study will help to extend the field of potential applications of such composites to fields including sensors, actuators, security labels and information dissemination, where colour indication is an advantageous feature. Originality/value – The SMP composites capable of temperature sensing and actuating are novel.

scholarly journals Fabrication and Two-Way Deformation of Shape Memory Composite with SMA and SMP

2010 ◽  
Vol 638-642 ◽  
pp. 2189-2194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hisaaki Tobushi ◽  
Shunichi Hayashi ◽  
Y. Sugimoto ◽  
K. Date
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Shape Memory Effect ◽  
Memory Effect ◽  
Shape Memory Polymer ◽  
Bending Deformation ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Round Shape ◽  
Heat Treated ◽  
Shape Memory Composite

The shape memory composite (SMC) with shape memory alloy (SMA) and shape memory polymer (SMP) was fabricated, and the two-way bending deformation and recovery force were investigated. The results obtained can be summarized as follows. (1) Two kinds of SMA tapes which show the shape memory effect and superelasticity were heat-treated to memorize the round shape, respectively. The shape-memorized round SMA tapes were sandwiched between the SMP sheets, and the SMC belt was fabricated. (2) The two-way bending deformation with an angle of 56 degrees is observed during heating and cooling. (3) If the SMC belt is heated and cooled by keeping the form, recovery force increases during heating and decreases during cooling.

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