Abstract: A shape memory alloy rod, if it is pre-twisted tocreate stress induced martensitic transformation, willexhibit a torsional shape memory effect, namely, someof the pre-twist will be recovered once the SMA rod isheated above its austenitic start temperature. If thepre- twisted SMA rod is constrained, a large recoverytorque will be generated. Torsional shape memory alloyactuators have broad applications. This paper focuseson their applications of active helicopter rotor bladecontrol. In this paper, we first review the effort ofactive rotor blade control, introduce the basicproperties of shape memory alloy actuators, present theimportant characteristics of torsional SMA actuatorsgoverning their applications, and address issuesinvolved in the use of torsional SMA actuators forautomatic rotor blade tracking systems. !9
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