Barrier structures using shape memory alloy springs

摘要

The unique thermal and mechanical properties exhibited by shape memory alloys (SMAs) presents exciting possibilities and that have led to a proliferation of diverse applications in a variety of industries. The SMA springs work as linear actuators by contracting with great strength and speed when heated. These SMA springs actuators can be attached to barrier structures, and can be activated to switch positions of the barrier. The active shape-change control of SMA spring can effectively increase the efficiency of such a barrier at several different regimes. In order to estimate how a SMA spring can be used to move a real barrier, the paper presents an experimental model of a small barrier using SMA spring actuator, which was conceived by the authors. The operating mechanism, thermal analysis experiments, and dynamical behavior of this SMA-based barrier are also presented in the paper.