Session: 06-04: Bioinspired Smart Composites

Paper Number: 110495

110495 - Design and Development of Self-Adaptive Composite Materials With Temperature Induced Shape-Shifting Properties 

Self-adaptive composite materials with temperature-induced shape-shifting properties are a novel and rapidly developing field, offering exciting possibilities for various applications. The idea behind these materials is to create surfaces or structures that can change their shape in response to environmental changes, such as temperature fluctuations. The aim of this study was to design and develop a self-adaptive composite material that can change shape in response to temperature. The proposed material was composed of nitinol wires embedded in a highly elastic polymer matrix. Nitinol, a type of shape memory alloy, is well known for its ability to change shape when subjected to heat. The nitinol wires were pre-programmed in the desired shape and clamped in place within the polymer matrix. The entire system was then subjected to a temperature higher than the recovery temperature of the nitinol, causing the wires to change shape and, in turn, the entire composite material to change shape.

The prototypes were tested for several different shapes, including sinusoidal and triangular waves, as well as a flat surface. The behavior of the prototypes was evaluated based on various factors, including response speed, input temperature, recovery force, number of cycles, overall performance and durability, and quality of the obtained shape. Finite element analysis was also carried out to simulate and predict the behavior of the prototypes, and the results were compared to the experimental results. The results showed that the self-adaptive composite material was able to change shape in response to temperature, and the overall performance was found to be promising. The results of the study provide a foundation for future research and development in this area, including the exploration of alternative polymers and the use of coatings or surface finishes to enhance the performance of the material. The potential applications for self-adaptive composite materials are vast and exciting, including use in robotics, medical devices, and aerospace applications, among others.

Presenting Author: Manuel Jose Carvajal Loaiza Texas A&M University

Presenting Author Biography: Manuel Carvajal is a PhD student in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Texas A&M University. Manuel earned his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Antioquia (Colombia), his degree project was in the area of statistical fatigue analysis on small airplanes. Manuel’s main interests include bio-inspired and smart materials. Currently, he is working on morphing surfaces and structural coloration.