Adaptive composites incorporating shape memory alloy wires Part I Probing the internal stress and temperature distributions with a laser Raman sensor

Hybrid composite laminates consisting of an epoxy resin reinforced by aramid fibres and incorporating SMA wire actuators have been produced. The residual thermal stresses of the composites were determined with the technique of laser Raman spectroscopy and the generated compressive loads during SMA activation were quantified. The results obtained indicate that the SMA wires can be effectively used as actuating elements whereas the aramid fibres can be exploited as independent thermal and mechanical sensors.