A Bi-State Shape Memory Material Composite Soft Actuator

Shape memory materials have been widely used as programmable soft matter for developing multifunctional hybrid actuators. Several challenges of fabrication and effective modelling these actuating systems can be addressed by implementing novel 3D printing techniques simulations to aid the designer. In this study, temperature-dependent recovery an embedded U-shaped Memory Alloy (SMA) shape fixity a 3D-printed Polymer (SMP) matrix were exploited create bi-state Composite (SMC) actuator. Electrical heating allowed SMA achieve condition, undergoing phase transformation U in rubbery flat glassy SMP. A COMSOL Multiphysics model was developed predict deformation SMC leveraging in-built constitutive relations user-defined material subroutine The actuation validated capturing mid-point displacement 80 mm length × 10 width 2 mm-thick SMC. viability periodic actuator terms through simulation. Results indicated that proposed good agreement with experiment. addition, effect varying volume ratio wire on maximum recovered deflection also obtained. Our design actuators various performance profiles facilitate future designs robotics wearable technology applications.