Bending and Shape Control of Beams Using SMA Actuators

Abstract

Two new configurations for enhanced bending control of beams with in duced strain actuators are presented. In the first configuration the actuator is external to the beam and passes through selective points on the beam. Since the actuator is outside the beam, differential movement between the actuator and the beam is possible; this results in enhanced bending due to the buckling action of the actuator force. Before actual buckling, there is a fairly large useful range of enhanced bending. In this range the beam displace ments are much greater than can be obtained by embedded or surface bonded actuators. The theoretical formulation for this configuration and its experimental verification is pre sented.