Design and Experimental Validation of a Shape Memory Alloy Actuator for Linear Motors

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative mechanical actuator using a shape memory alloy (SMA) with a cooling system based on combined thermoelectric effect and forced air cooling systems. The main advantages of using SMAs include the reduction of the system weight, the ease and reliability in application, and a simple control strategy. This study focuses on the development of the system highlighting the mathematical model of the actuator, and an experimental prototype was implemented. Several experiments are used to validate the model and to identify best SMA actuator configuration parameters. Experiments were used to evaluate the actuator closed-loop performance, stability, and robustness properties.