Application of an actuator made of a material with a shape memory effect for a transformable space structure

Abstract

Increase in the operational functionality of space technology leads to the necessity of creating large-sized transformable systems. The development of adequate models which are used in computational experiments to simulate the opening of transformable space structures is of great importance. Significant progress has been made in the field of creating large-sized transformable space antennas: the ratio of the mass of the reflector to its working area has decreased to 0.5–1.5 kg/m2. Despite the significant progress achieved in the design of such structures, the task of ensuring smooth and reliable deployment of large-sized transformable space structures, while ensuring their subsequent functioning, remains important. An important area of applied research in the field of shape memory materials is the creation of thermomechanical force actuators that deploy large-sized space structures. Actuators with shape memory effect makes the opening process easy to control, ensuring its shock-free nature. As an active element of the force actuator, it is proposed to use a wire made of titanium nickelide material with a shape memory effect. To develop a functional model of the actuator’s active element made of a shape memory material, a series of experimental and theoretical studies was carried out.