Shape Memory Alloy-based actuator: experimental and modelling

Abstract

In this work, an experimental characterization of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) springs was carried-out to assess the efficiency of simple analytical procedure for a preliminary design of Shape Memory Alloy-based spring actuators. Two static analytical models were considered recursively, respectively to determine SMA material properties by accurate tensile experimental test and to identify the optimized geometrical characteristic of SMA-bias spring-based unit for a specific feasible mini-actuator for vehicle moveable part. The final extra-force and displacement of the actuator was validated at different temperature above transformation temperature to assess the limitation of the implemented procedure.