Non-explosive actuators based on SMA technology have been developed as an alternative to current devices for space applications. One of the most significant advantages of the mechanism, based on SMA technology, is the possibility of being used several times in situ by manually reset. The novel hold-down and release mechanism (HDRM) is triggered by a SMA fibre that can pull with about 70N of force. Since the HDRM handles high external forces (for example preloads of 35KN and pin stroke forces of 500N), the decomposition of these loads is necessary to perform the complete triggering operation. The proposed mechanism has been used in the development of a Pin Puller and a Hold-Down and Release Actuator (HDRA) called REACT (REsettable non-explosive ACTuator). A comprehensive test campaign has been performed under an ESA GSTP contract showing satisfactory results, which demonstrate the suitability of the actuators for space applications.
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