On the design of a shape memory alloy spring actuator using thermal analysis

Abstract

Due to their unique properties and behavior, the Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) play an increasingly important role in the intelligent systems performance. Recent applications in structural actuation and sensing demand increased material capabilities. This paper reviews the main advantages and the properties of SMAs and presents the design strategy for a typical shape memory actuator configuration of intelligent systems, using as active element Ni-Ti SMA spring working against a conventional steel spring. It also includes the thermal analysis experiments, in order to determine the transformation temperatures for the studied SMA spring. For design optimization a comprehensive graphical interface (based on the thermal analysis results), which runs under Visual Basic, has been developed for this application. It provides a user friendly environment allowing intelligent system parameters configuration as well as choosing the most adapted analysis methods and data displaying.