Development of a spined underwater biomimetic vehicle with SMA actuators

Othon K. Rediniotis; Dimitris C. Lagoudas; Luke J. Garner; Larry N. Wilson

doi:10.1117/12.350739

9 June 1999 Development of a spined underwater biomimetic vehicle with SMA actuators

Othon K. Rediniotis, Dimitris C. Lagoudas, Luke J. Garner, Larry N. Wilson

Proceedings Volume 3668, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.350739
Event: 1999 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1999, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

We present here our progress towards the development of a type of biomimetic active hydrofoil that utilizes Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator technology. The actuation is presently applied to the control of hydrodynamic forces and moments, including thrust generation, on a 2D hydrofoil. The SMA actuation elements are two sets of thin wires (0.015' to 0.027') on either side of an elastomer element that provides the main structural support. Controlled heating and cooling of the two wire sets generates bi-directional bending of the elastomer, which in turn deflects (for quasi-static control) or oscillates (for thrust generation) the trailing edge of the hydrofoil. The aquatic environment of the hydrofoil lends itself to cooling schemes that utilize the excellent heat transfer properties of water. The SMA actuator was able to deflect the trailing edge by +/- 5 degree(s) at rates as high as 2 Hz. FEM modeling of hydrofoil response to thermoelectric heating has been carried out using a thermomechanical constitutive model for SMAs. FEM predictions are compared with experimental measurements.

Citation Download Citation

Othon K. Rediniotis, Dimitris C. Lagoudas, Luke J. Garner, and Larry N. Wilson "Development of a spined underwater biomimetic vehicle with SMA actuators", Proc. SPIE 3668, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, (9 June 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.350739

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