Adaptive reversible composite-based shape memory alloy soft actuators

Dezaki, ML ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5680-1550, Bodaghi, M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0707-944X, Serjouei, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7250-4131, Afazov, S ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5346-1933 and Zolfagharian, A, 2022. Adaptive reversible composite-based shape memory alloy soft actuators. Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 345: 113779. ISSN 0924-4247

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Abstract

This research demonstrates how a combination of two-way shape memory alloy (SMA), low-temperature liquid epoxy cure composites, and fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) may be utilised to create a novel reversible actuator with built driven functionality. The novelty of this work is that the actuator can reverse its original shape and be mounted on different customized structures. The strategy is based on a knowledge of SMA wires and the manufacturing principle underlying composite structure, as well as experiments to see how soft SMA-FRP can be programmed to bend. The folding mechanism is studied in terms of fabrication factors such as SMA training and strong interfacial bonding between SMA and epoxy resin, which influence the programming process and shape change. The two-way SMA wires are trained using the pre-straining method to programme the SMAs. The technique has been used to assemble the SMA wires with bond reliability to enhance the actuator interface's thermal behaviour. The SMA elements are directly inserted into FRP strips and epoxy resin is used as an adhesive, resulting in dynamic hybrid composites. The module is actuated using an electrical board with a current value between 3 and 6 A. The robustness, controllability, mechanical properties, and 500 life cycles of the actuator are tested. Results indicate a bending angle of 58° with 30 mm of deflection in 7 s after actuating the module. Also, 3D printing is used to print a gripper inspired by human fingers and a structure to lift various weights. The actuator’s performance as a soft gripper is reliable in terms of grasping objects of different shapes.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Sensors and Actuators A: Physical
Creators:	Dezaki, M.L., Bodaghi, M., Serjouei, A., Afazov, S. and Zolfagharian, A.
Publisher:	Elsevier BV
Date:	1 October 2022
Volume:	345
ISSN:	0924-4247
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1016/j.sna.2022.113779 DOI 1578151 Other
Rights:	© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Laura Ward
Date Added:	29 Jul 2022 09:42
Last Modified:	29 Jul 2022 09:42
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/46774

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