Development of SMA integrated composite structures with stiff sections subjected to localized deformations

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Materials that can change shape in response to external parameters are becoming essential in developing future technologies in robotics, aerospace, and smart systems. This study focuses on the development of fiber-reinforced composites embedded with shape memory alloys (SMA) to enable localized bending and twisting deformations. By carefully designing the internal fiber structure and incorporating SMA wires, the composites were fabricated to deform in specific ways when activated. Multiple design variants were created to study how changes in fiber orientation, number of SMA wires and localized stiffness influence the deformation behavior. A depth-sensing camera setup with synchronized Azure Kinect devices was used to capture and analyze the resulting 3D shape changes. The obtained data facilitated the identification and tracking of specific points on the composite, enabling precise deformation measurement. The results highlight the significant impact of fiber angles and stiff sections on guiding bending and twisting behavior, contributing valuable insights toward the design of adaptive smart materials with controlled, complex deformation capabilities.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number055702
Number of pages17
JournalMaterials research express
Volume12
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 30 May 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0001-6058-2581/work/190571785
ORCID /0000-0003-0421-4199/work/190572036

Keywords

Keywords

  • bend-twist coupling, flat-knitting, interactive fiber rubber composites, Microsoft Azure Kinect, shape memory alloy