Modeling and design of shape memory alloy actuators

This paper presents the application of systematic model-based design techniques to the design of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. Shape memory alloys are promising materials for (micro-)actuation, because of the relatively large deformations and forces that can be achieved. However, the complex constitutive behavior and the fact that several physical domains (electrical, thermal and mechanical) play a role makes it difficult to design effective SMA actuators with complex shapes and layouts. For this reason, design optimization techniques are expected to play an important role in the further development of SMA actuators. The present paper presents shape and topology optimization of SMA structures and shows the effectiveness of these design approaches by several representative examples.