Design of a deployable structure with shape memory polymers

Jonathan Rossiter; Fabrizio Scarpa; Kazuto Takashima; Peter Walters

doi:10.1117/12.915476

28 March 2012 Design of a deployable structure with shape memory polymers

Jonathan Rossiter, Fabrizio Scarpa, Kazuto Takashima, Peter Walters

Proceedings Volume 8342, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2012; 83420Y (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.915476
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Auxetic (negative Poisson's ratio) configurations have recently been used to build prototypes of deployable structures using classical shape memory alloys (Nickel-Titanium-Copper). Chiral configurations, featuring three or more inter-connected spiral-wound hubs, exploit efficient tensile-rotational mechanisms. These structures offer high deployability ratios in structural elements with load-bearing characteristics. Shape memory polymers have the potential to replace these shape memory alloys and other stored-energy actuators, and have the attractive properties of low mass, high actuation strain, easy fabrication and tuneable thermal properties. In this work we discuss how shape memory polymers (SMP) integrated into a chiral core could offer enhanced deployable characteristics and increase the efficiency of the auxetic deformations in these unusual cellular structures. We consider the spiral-wound fundamental component needed for SMP n-chiral prototypes and present test results showing actuation motion of expanding SMP deployable structures. Applications likely to benefit from these structures include lightweight elements for structural engineering applications, deployable structures for space applications and implantable medical devices.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan Rossiter, Fabrizio Scarpa, Kazuto Takashima, and Peter Walters "Design of a deployable structure with shape memory polymers", Proc. SPIE 8342, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2012, 83420Y (28 March 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.915476

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