Eventos Anais de eventos
COBEM 2023
27th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering
Experimental analysis of a smart soft beam actuated by SMA thin ribbon actuators
Submission Author:
Antonio Holanda , PB , Brazil
Co-Authors:
Antonio Holanda, Carlos Jose de Araujo, Cícero da Rocha Souto
Presenter: Carlos Jose de Araujo
doi://10.26678/ABCM.COBEM2023.COB2023-0607
Abstract
In the field of intelligent structures, researchers are always searching for new combinations of intelligent materials with other materials in order to achieve specific characteristics and innovative applications. Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) is one such material that offers a wide range of applications due to its unique characteristics, particularly when combined with soft polymer matrices. Smart structures made using these materials can be designed to produce various movements, making them suitable for use in actuators, adaptive structures, and soft robots. Additionally, SMA-based actuators are more compact, lighter, and quieter than traditional actuators. This study proposes the development of a flexible beam activated by SMA ribbons embedded in a soft silicone matrix and fixed in an ABS polymer structure. The beam bends when the SMA ribbons are activated by an electric current. The study was divided into two main phases: the first phase involved obtaining and characterizing the thermomechanical properties of the SMA ribbons, while the second phase focused on the design, manufacture, and testing of the flexible beam activated by the embedded SMA ribbons. The beam underwent drive, blocking force, and deformation tests, and the results showed that it reached a maximum deflection value of approximately 72.0 mm at the free end and a maximum rotation angle of 27.5º during an activation time of 30 seconds. The maximum blocking force observed was 0.8 N for a minimum distance of 0 mm and 0.25 N for a distance of 20 mm from a blocking plate. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the presented flexible beam concept offers a good alternative to traditional actuators commonly used in robotic grippers, biomimetic actuation modules, and adaptive aerodynamic structures.
Keywords
Shape Memory Alloys, Smart soft structures, flexible beam, NiTi SMA ribbons
