Remotely actuated wind tunnel model rudder using shape memory alloy

摘要

A rotational actuator assembly (10) employs a first torsion actuator (24) having a shape memory alloy (SMA) tube with a first trained twist direction and a second torsion actuator (26) having a SMA tube with an opposite trained twist direction collinear with the first torsion actuator (24) with abutting proximal ends (28,30). A central fitting (32) oins the proximal ends (28,30). A control system for temperature control of the first torsion actuator (24) and second torsion actuator (26) about an average temperature provides combined antagonistic rotation of the central fitting (32).