Multiphysical modeling of Shape Adaptive Composites

Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composite-Actuators offer the possibility to convert electrical or thermal energy into mechanical deformation. The active material hereby is a metallic shape memory alloy in form of thin wires. Their applications range from gap-and kink free aerodynamic elements, e.g. in aeronautics or automotive industry, to material-integrated actuators in general engineering. In the past, applications such as a morphing trailing edge, active vortex generators, smart air vents or locking and unlocking mechanisms have already been developed in numerous projects, mostly based on an empirical basis. IVW has now established a universally applicable multiphysical model that enables the systematic development of applications in all target areas [1]. A highlight of the model is its ability to predict not only the maximum actuation force and deflection, but also the expected energy demand for a wide range of environmental conditions. The model is based entirely on freely available software and can be used for non-commercial purposes at any time. The source code, together with a data set for validation [3], is available at [2].

[1] M. Kaiser, M. Kunzler, and M. Gurka, Experimentally Characterization and Theoretical Modeling of the Electro-Thermomechanical Coupling of Unimorph Shape Memory Active Hybrid Composites, Composites Science and Technology 242, 110186 (2023).

[2] M. Kaiser, sa_smahc_py, (2023), GitHub repository, github.com/KaiMa92/ sa_smahc_py.

[3] M. Kaiser, M. Gurka, SMAHC characterization under influence of external load and ambient temperature, Dataset, ZENODO (2023) dx.doi.org/10.5281/ zenodo.7762701.