Analyzing and modeling performance of a new SMA actuator-based barrier structure

This paper presents how a SMA spring-based barrier structure actually does work. An experimental model, consisting in a rather small SMA barrier, was built. The SMA spring is activated by applying different values of electric current and the barrier arm is charged with different concentrated weights. To collect data, a DAS acquisition system was used. Finally, some theoretical aspects regarding the dynamics of the structure motion were presented. The proposed dynamical study is made in dependent generalized coordinates. For obvious reasons, the mass of the spring was neglected, but all the rest of moving parts of the SMA actuator were taken into consideration. The paper ends with some authors´ conclusions concerning the novelty and originality of their work.