The Study of New NiTi Actuators to Reinforce the Wing Movement of Aircraft Systems

Abstract

Actuators using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) springs could operate in different mechanical systems requiring geometric flexibility and high performance. The aim of the present study is to highlight the potential of these actuators, using their dimensional variations resulting from the phase transformations of NiTi springs (SMA) to make the movements of the system’s mobile components reversible. This reversibility is due to thermal-induced martensitic transformation of NiTi springs. The transformation promotes the extended and retracted of the springs as the phase changing (martensite–austenite) creates movement in part of the system. Therefore, the phase transition temperatures of NiTi, evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), are required to control the dimensional variation of the spring. The influence of the number of springs in the system, as well as how impacts on the reaction time were evaluated. The different numbers of springs (two, four, and six) and the interspaces between them made it possible to control the time and the final angle attained in the mobile part of the system. Mechanical resistance, maximum angle, and the system’s reaction time using different NiTi springs highlight the role of the actuators. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)/Material Extrusion (MEX) or Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) was selected for shaping the composite matrix system. A new prototype was designed and developed to conduct tests that established the relationship between the recoverable deformation of the matrix suitable for the application as well as the number and distribution of the actuators.