Design of a deployable structure with shape memory polymers

Jonathan Rossiter*, Fabrizio Scarpa, Kazuto Takashima, Peter Walters

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

7 Citations (Scopus)

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 interconnected 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.

Translated title of the contributionDesign of a deployable structure with shape memory polymers
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBEHAVIOR AND MECHANICS OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIALS AND COMPOSITES 2012
EditorsNC Goulbourne, Z Ounaies
Place of PublicationBELLINGHAM
PublisherSociety of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)978-0-8194-8999-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
EventConference on Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites - San Diego, Canada
Duration: 12 Mar 201215 Mar 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE
PublisherSPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING
Volume8342
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceConference on Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites
Country/TerritoryCanada
CitySan Diego
Period12/03/1215/03/12

Bibliographical note

Conference Proceedings/Title of Journal: Proceedings of SPIE
Conference Organiser: SPIE

Research Groups and Themes

  • Tactile Action Perception

Keywords

  • shape memory polymers
  • hexachiral
  • auxetic
  • deployable structures
  • MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

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