Development of numerical tools for simulation of SMA behavior
- Development of material subroutines implementing SMA constitutive models in 1D and 3D form. The developed subroutines are incorporated into well-established FE Codes, exploiting parallel solvers and advanced analysis techniques.
- Development of specialty beam element for the prediction of complex thermomechanical behavior of SMA actuators. The beam element predicts coupling phenomena, temperature and stress distribution on the cross-section as well as the time response of SMA actuators.
Characterization of SMA elastic and transformation properties
- Characterization of the elastic properties of both martensitic and austenitic phase of Shape Memory Alloys wires
- Estimation of critical transformation temperatures and stresses as well as extraction of the transformation strain of SMA wires
Development of morphing structures
- Design of morphing structures incorporating SMA actuators
- Optimization of morphing structures
- Fluid Structure Interaction of the morphing structure and the surrounding flow
- Position control through PID controller
- Estimation of power requirements
- Dynamic and Static characterization of morphing structures prototypes
Applications
- Morphing chevron for lowering aircraft engine's noise. The structure consists of an elastic aluminum part and several SMA wire actuators able to deflect it to various configurations as they are heated. The elastic energy stored at the seamless aluminum part during deformation, acts as a bias spring and retracts the initial configuration of the chevron during cooling of the SMA actuators.
- Morphing trailing edge of aircraft wing. The vertebrate design incorporates SMA actuators functioning in an antagonistic manner making feasible to move the trailing edge both upwards and downwards.
- Morphing wind turbine blade section for reduction of fatigue loads
