Shape control of NITINOL-reinforced composite beams

The shape of composite beams is controlled by sets of flat strips of a shape memory nickel–titanium alloy (NITINOL). The strips are embedded in the composite fabric of these beams inside sleeves, which are placed on the neutral axes. Prior to their insertion inside the beams, the NITINOL strips are thermally trained to provide and memorize controlled transverse deflections. Proper activation of the shape memory effect of the appropriate strips is utilized to produce controlled shapes of the NITINOL-reinforced beams.

A mathematical model is developed to describe the behavior of this class of SMART composites. The model describes the interaction between the elastic characteristics of the composite beams and the thermally induced shape memory effect of the NITINOL strips. The effect of various activation strategies of the NITINOL strips on the shape of the composite beams is determined.

The theoretical predictions of the model are validated experimentally using a fiberglass composite beam made of 8 plies of unidirectional BASF 5216 prepregs, which are 9.75 cm wide and 21.20 cm long. The beams are provided with four NITINOL-55 strips, which are 1.2 mm thick and 1.25 cm wide. The time response characteristics of the beam are monitored and compared with the corresponding theoretical characteristics. Close agreement is obtained between the theoretical predictions and the experimental results. The obtained results suggest the potential of the NITINOL strips in controlling the shape of composite beams without compromising their structural stiffness.