Fabrication of smart structure using shape memory alloy wire embedded hybrid composite

摘要

Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) have been actively studied in many fields utilizing their high energy density, and SMA wire embedded composite, in particular, can be used as a smart material for a load carrying structure and actuator. Composite materials such as Class Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) can sustain large loads, but at the same time the high stiffness of the material limits the displacement range of the SMA wire embedded composite. In this research, a SMA wire embedded hybrid composite was designed and fabricated to have a larger displacement than a SMA wire embedded single composite. The hybrid composite is designed with a n-shape and it is comprised of three parts with different stiffness materials, GFRP with higher stiffness at both ends and silicone rubber with lower stiffness in the middle to increase the displacement range of the structure. The SMA wire embedded hybrid composite can be actuated by applying an electric current through the embedded SMA wire. The fabricated composite was mechanically fastened to prevent separation between the wire and the composite laminae induced by temperature rise of the wire. The displacement of SMA wire embedded hybrid composite was examined by measuring the radius of curvature.