Self-folding with shape memory composites

Self-Folding Origami: Shape Memory Composites Activated by Uniform Heating

Self-folding is an approach used frequently in nature for the efficient fabrication of structures, but is seldom used in engineered systems. Here, selffolding origami are presented, which consist of shape memory composites that are activated with uniform heating in an oven. These composites are rapidly fabricated using inexpensive materials and tools. The folding mechanism based on the in-plane...

Shape-Memory Polymer Composites

The development of shape-memory polymer composites (SMPCs) enables high recovery stress levels as well as novel functions such as electrical conductivity, magnetism, and biofunctionality. In this review chapter the substantial enhancement in mechanical properties of shape-memory polymers (SMPs) by incorporating small amounts of stiff fillers will be highlighted exemplarily for clay and polyhedr...

Thin film shape memory composites

Nonlinear Thermo-Mechanical Behaviour Analysis of Activated Composites With Shape Memory Alloy Fibres

General thermo-mechanical behavior of composites reinforced by shape memory alloy fibers is predicted using a three-dimensional analytical micromechanical method to consider the effect of fibers activation. Composite due to the micromechanical method can be exposed to general normal and shear mechanical and thermal loading which cause to activate the shape memory alloy fibers within polymeric m...

A bidirectional shape memory alloy folding actuator

This paper presents a low-profile bidirectional folding actuator based on annealed shape memory alloy sheets applicable for mesoand microscale systems. Despite the advantages of shape memory alloys—high strain, silent operation, and mechanical simplicity—their application is often limited to unidirectional operation. We present a bidirectional folding actuator that produces two opposing 180 mot...