A. P. Jardine, Shape Change Technologies LLC, Thousand Oaks, CA
Shape Change Technologies has demonstrated that we were able to manufacture net-shape TiNi foam torque tubes with rapid Shape Memory Effect actuation. The increase in response time on cooling and cycling times is about an order of magnitude better than non-porous TiNi torque tubes with a cost that is projected to also be an order of magnitude better with batch production. Foam TiNi torque tubes with integrated hexagonal ends made attachment simple to an external structure. TiNi foam torque tubes 0.625” OD, 0.300” ID and 3” long were made and demonstrated measured torques of 83 in.lb (9.4 N.M) with fast cycle times of ~ 8s, for a actuator mass of 1.3 oz (38 gms). A review of measured shape memory effect actuation properties for the torsional actuators will be presented.
