3D Printing to Automate Shape Memory Alloy Placement in Composite Structures

Abstract

A new 3D printing technique was developed to automate the selective placement of shape memory alloys (SMA) wires in composite structures for shape morphing. The technique that uses a polymer coating to isolate the SMA from the electrically and thermally conducting carbon fibers, works at room temperature in order to avoid any alteration to the programming of the SMAs while printing. Selective placement of SMAs allows for shape morphing with complex shapes and curvatures.