A two-way architectural actuator using NiTi SE wire and SME spring

Mohammadreza Nematollahi; Reza Mehrabi; Miguel A. Callejas; Hedyeh Elahinia; Mohammad Elahinia

doi:10.1117/12.2299817

15 March 2018 A two-way architectural actuator using NiTi SE wire and SME spring

Mohammadreza Nematollahi, Reza Mehrabi, Miguel A. Callejas, Hedyeh Elahinia, Mohammad Elahinia

Proceedings Volume 10595, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XII; 105952J (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2299817
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2018, Denver, Colorado, United States

Abstract

This paper presents a bio-inspired continuously adapting architectural element, to enable a smart canopy that provides shade to buildings that need protection from sunlight. The smart actuator consists of two elements: one NiTi shape memory (SME) spring and one NiTi superelastic (SE) wire. The SE wire is deformed to a ‘U’ shape and then the SME spring is attached to it. Due to the force of SE wire exerted on SME spring, the smart canopy is in its open position. When the environment’s temperature increases, the actuator activates and shrinks the SME spring and hence it closes the canopy. In continues, when the temperature decreases at evening, the actuator inactive and SE wire will open the smart fabric. This unique activation provides different advantages like silent actuation, maintenance free, eco-friendly, and no or low energy consumption. Here, the conceptual design of the smart canopy actuator will be discussed. Then, a simulation study, using finite element method, is used to investigate components’ behavior. The extracted material parameters are implemented in the subroutine, to simulate the behavior of the shape memory alloy elements. Simulation’s results predict superelastic behavior for the SE wire and shape memory effect for the NiTi spring. For further studies, a prototype will be fabricated to confirm simulation’s results, as well as performing some experimental tests.

Citation Download Citation

Mohammadreza Nematollahi, Reza Mehrabi, Miguel A. Callejas, Hedyeh Elahinia, and Mohammad Elahinia "A two-way architectural actuator using NiTi SE wire and SME spring", Proc. SPIE 10595, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XII, 105952J (15 March 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2299817

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