Article
Polymer Science
Minchae Kang, Ye-Ji Han, Min-Woo Han
Summary: A nature-inspired soft actuator that mimics the movement of an elephant trunk has been developed to achieve multi-degree-of-freedom motions. The actuator, incorporating shape memory alloys and soft polymers, is capable of stably gripping and lifting objects of different weights and forms.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minsoo Kim, Alan Yu, Daehyeon Kim, Bradley J. Nelson, Sung-Hoon Ahn
Summary: This study introduces multi-agent microrobot control using a laser and shape-memory alloy (SMA) structure. SMA microrobots can navigate complex paths and bypass obstacles through algorithm-based control and vision-based feedback. With high energy density, fast actuation speed, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility, multi-agent SMA microrobot control has potential applications in microchemical reactions and biomedical devices.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhixiang Rao, Xiaoyuan Wang, Jiaming Leng, Zehong Yan, Xiaojun Yan
Summary: This study conducted an in-depth investigation into the Ni50Ti50 SMA beam actuator from the perspective of heat treatment, training, and numerical simulation. It determined the proper heat treatment conditions and established the relationship between thermomechanical behavior evolution and training load. A comprehensive and novel forward design method was proposed, considering the evolution of shape and actuation performance during training.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
YuTian Li, Kai Liu, XueFeng Zhou, Bin Yuan
Summary: A shape memory alloy (SMA)-based underwater vectored thruster was developed in this study, utilizing SMA wires to drive the rotation of motion rings and achieve torque output, angular position changes, with maximum angle and response speed reaching 38 degrees and 1.6 degrees/s. The proposed anti-windup Proportion Integral Differential (PID) controller significantly improves the system controlling performance by eliminating overshoot and decreasing steady error at different angles.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Pooria Beydaghi, Moosa Ayati, Mohammad Reza Zakerzadeh
Summary: This paper develops a fault-tolerant control method for a rotary SMA actuator, utilizing a Terminal Sliding Mode Controller to compensate for actuator faults. Experimental results show that TSMC has the smallest steady-state error compared to P and sliding mode controllers in the presence of faults.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART C-JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Manufacturing
Dhiraj Narayane, Ravindra Taiwade, Khemraj Sahu
Summary: This review article discusses the development of SMA/polyimide thin-film composites using various physical vapor deposition techniques, including their actuation characteristics, the influence of actuation controlling parameters, and the life cycle behavior. The feasibility of these composites in various applications and their potential use in soft robotic technology is also examined.
MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yudong Fang, Edwin A. Peraza Hernandez
Summary: This paper presents a modeling and design study of shape memory alloy (SMA)-based skins that enable adaptive ventilation in buildings. The response of the adaptive skins is evaluated through a thermomechanically coupled finite element model and optimized using genetic algorithms. Two-layered composite panels with ply angles of 45 degrees/-45 degrees and thicknesses of 0.1/0.25 mm display the most favorable performance.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Ziliang Kang, Kai A. James
Summary: This article presents a novel computational design framework for shape-memory alloy-based smart structures that considers multiphysics and multimaterial aspects. The framework optimally distributes multiple material candidates within the design domain using topology optimization, and incorporates a nonlinear phenomenological constitutive model and a coupled transient heat conduction model for shape-memory alloys (SMAs). By accurately capturing the coupling between the phase transformation process and the evolution of the local temperature field, the framework enables more precise optimization of the two-way shape-memory effect and superelasticity response of SMAs.
STRUCTURAL AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY OPTIMIZATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Saeed Akbari, Amir Hosein Sakhaei, Sahil Panjwani, Kavin Kowsari, Qi Ge
Summary: This study utilizes multimaterial 3D printing to fabricate soft composite actuators with variable stiffness, capable of shape retention and recovery. By adjusting the thickness of the SMP layer, the effect on shape retention and recovery can be studied. Additionally, SMA wires are embedded to provide bending force, while resistive wires change the temperature and bending stiffness of the hinges through Joule heating.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Andres Osorio Salazar, Yusuke Sugahara, Daisuke Matsuura, Yukio Takeda
Summary: This paper introduces and explores the concept of scalability for actuators, highlighting the advantages of scalable design and the limitations of current approaches. A novel design concept using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire-based actuators is proposed to overcome these limitations. By mechanically connecting a variable number of SMA wires in parallel immersed in a heat-transmitting liquid, scalability and improved performance were achieved in isometric experiments.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Fares Maimani, Ariel A. Calderon, Xiufeng Yang, Alberto Rigo, Joey Z. Ge, Nestor O. Perez-Arancibia
Summary: The article describes a novel miniature catalytic-combustion engine for providing onboard power to millimeter-scale robots, which has high efficiency and load-bearing capacity. The engine is designed with a flat, narrow geometry and operates in a periodic-unimorph actuation mode, with the ability to run at high frequencies and exhibit excellent performance.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Patricia Freitas Rodrigues, Rodolfo S. Teixeira, Naiara V. Le Senechal, Francisco Manuel Braz Fernandes, Andersan S. Paula
Summary: The structural and thermophysical characteristics of an Ni-rich NiTi alloy rod were studied. The suitable reheating between forging process steps is crucial for the structural characteristics of the product. The solution heat treatment at 950 degrees C/120 min was found to be the most suitable condition for producing materials with a superelasticity effect.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Xiaolong Liu, Hui Liu, Jindong Tan
Summary: This article presents a numerical model for predicting actuation frequencies of SMA actuators, taking into consideration factors such as heat convection methods, bias loads, and Joule heating. Experimental verification demonstrates differences between predicted and measured frequencies, highlighting the impact of different bias loads on actuation frequency accuracy.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hossein Baniasadi, Zahra Madani, Mithila Mohan, Maija Vaara, Sami Lipponen, Jaana Vapaavuori, Jukka V. Seppala
Summary: This study introduces the development of a thermally responsive shape-morphing fabric using low-melting-point polyamide shape memory actuators. Homogeneous dispersion of compatibilized starch particles into the matrix is achieved, resulting in composites with excellent mechanical properties. The composites exhibit remarkable shape recovery properties, making them suitable for designing heat-responsive textiles.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tiegang Chen, Yuhang Zhang, Shengbin Qiu, Jun Jiang, Qiang Zhang, Xiaoyong Zhang
Summary: This paper presents a novel rotary actuator using an NiTi shape memory alloy machined spring, and develops analytical and numerical models to analyze its performance. Experiments are conducted to validate the models and study the mechanical responses. The results demonstrate the advantages of the shape memory alloy spring in terms of twist angle and torque compared to other types of rotary actuators.
Meeting Abstract
Neurosciences
Hirokazu Hatano, Ken Saito, Minoru Saito, Yoshifumi Sekine
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2009)
Meeting Abstract
Neurosciences
Ken Saito, Yu-ta Hamasaki, Hirokazu Hatano, Minoru Saito, Fumio Uchikoba, Yoshifumi Sekine
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2010)