Modelling, design and characterization of Shape Memory Alloy-based Poly Phase motor

Design and characterization of SMA wire-based Poly Phase rotary motor has not been reported in literatures. The motor presented in this paper can be used either in stepping mode or in servo mode of operation. A method of designing a balanced Poly Phase motor based on SMA wire is proposed in this paper. The motor uses SMA wire with a tension spring in series for each phase of the motor. The principle of operation of the Poly Phase motor is presented. The proposed motor has been characterized similar to a stepper motor. Various parameters of the motor have been defined. The motor can be actuated in either direction with different phase sequencing methods, which are presented in this work. The motor is modelled and simulated and the results of simulations and experiments are presented. Based on this principle a compact actuator can be realized. Generalization of the concept is done and motor up to 16 Phases are studied and the simulation results are discussed.