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Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)‐Based Microscale Actuators with 60% Deformation Rate and 1.6 kHz Actuation Speed
Author(s) -
Lee HyunTaek,
Kim MinSoo,
Lee GilYong,
Kim ChungSoo,
Ahn SungHoon
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.201801023
Subject(s) - microscale chemistry , shape memory alloy , sma* , actuator , materials science , artificial muscle , deformation (meteorology) , mechanical engineering , composite material , computer science , electrical engineering , engineering , mathematics education , mathematics , algorithm
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are widely utilized as an actuation source in microscale devices, since they have a simple actuation mechanism and high‐power density. However, they have limitations in terms of strain range and actuation speed. High‐speed microscale SMA actuators are developed having diamond‐shaped frame structures with a diameter of 25 µm. These structures allow for a large elongation range compared with bulk SMA materials, with the aid of spring‐like behavior under tensile deformation. These actuators are validated in terms of their applicability as an artificial muscle in microscale by investigating their behavior under mechanical deformation and changes in thermal conditions. The shape memory effect is triggered by delivering thermal energy with a laser. The fast heating and cooling phenomenon caused by the scale effect allows high‐speed actuation up to 1600 Hz. It is expected that the proposed actuators will contribute to the development of soft robots and biomedical devices.