Skip to main content

Shape memory alloy based 3D printed composite actuators withvariable stiffness and large reversible deformation

Akbar, Saeed, Sakhaei, Amir Hosein, Panjwani, Sahil, Kowsari, Kavin, Ge, Qi (2021) Shape memory alloy based 3D printed composite actuators withvariable stiffness and large reversible deformation. Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 321 . ISSN 0924-4247. (doi:10.1016/j.sna.2021.112598) (KAR id:88798)

Abstract

Soft composite actuators can be fabricated by embedding shape memory alloy (SMA) wires into soft poly- mer matrices. Shape retention and recovery of these actuators are typically achieved by incorporating shape memory polymer segments into the actuator structure. However, this requires complex manufac- turing processes. This work uses multimaterial 3D printing to fabricate composite actuators with variable stiffness capable of shape retention and recovery. The hinges of the bending actuators presented here are printed from a soft elastomeric layer as well as a rigid shape memory polymer (SMP) layer. The SMA wires are embedded eccentrically over the entire length of the printed structure to provide the actuation bending force, while the resistive wires are embedded into the SMP layer of the hinges to change the temperature and the bending stiffness of the actuator hinges via Joule heating. The temperature of the embedded SMA wire and the printed SMP segments is changed sequentially to accomplish a large bending deformation, retention of the deformed shape, and recovery of the original shape, without applying any external mechanical force. The SMP layer thickness was varied to investigate its effect on shape retention and recovery. A nonlinear finite element model was used to predict the deformation of the actuators.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.sna.2021.112598
Uncontrolled keywords: 3D printing, Composite actuator, Shape memory alloy, Shape memory polymer, Finite element modeling
Subjects: T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > TA401 Materials engineering and construction
T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Engineering and Digital Arts
Depositing User: Amirhosein Sakhaei
Date Deposited: 22 Jun 2021 14:38 UTC
Last Modified: 10 Dec 2022 04:05 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/88798 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Sakhaei, Amir Hosein.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6953-552X
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.