Shape memory alloys (SMAs), are a class of metals that possess the capability to recover substantial deformations resulting from applied mechanical loads through a solid-solid phase transformation. Typical deployment systems for solar arrays on microsats only allow for one-way deployment. However, by using an SMA actuator in place of a conventional deployment system, repeatable deployment and retraction can be achieved. Relative to conventional actuators, SMA-based solid state actuators offer a reduction in the weight, volume, and overall complexity of the system. In this study, a design of an SMA-based solar panel deployment mechanism for a typical microsat is presented. In this design, a conventional actuation system is replaced with a system of SMA torsional actuators, which allows for a deployed and stowed phase to be reached independent of environmental conditions. This design study illustrates that an SMA-based solar array deployment system can provide a viable replacement for a conventional deployment system while significantly reducing the deployment system weight, volume, and complexity.
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ASME 2015 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems
September 21–23, 2015
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Aerospace Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-5729-8
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Design of a Reconfigurable SMA-Based Solar Array Deployment Mechanism
Robert Wheeler,
Robert Wheeler
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Robert Saunders,
Robert Saunders
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Kelli Pickett,
Kelli Pickett
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Cullen Eckert,
Cullen Eckert
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Hannah Stroud,
Hannah Stroud
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Tyler Fink,
Tyler Fink
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Kanika Gakhar,
Kanika Gakhar
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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James Boyd,
James Boyd
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Dimitris Lagoudas
Dimitris Lagoudas
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Robert Wheeler
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Robert Saunders
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Kelli Pickett
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Cullen Eckert
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Hannah Stroud
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Tyler Fink
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Kanika Gakhar
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
James Boyd
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Dimitris Lagoudas
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Paper No:
SMASIS2015-9040, V001T02A010; 8 pages
Published Online:
January 11, 2016
Citation
Wheeler, R, Saunders, R, Pickett, K, Eckert, C, Stroud, H, Fink, T, Gakhar, K, Boyd, J, & Lagoudas, D. "Design of a Reconfigurable SMA-Based Solar Array Deployment Mechanism." Proceedings of the ASME 2015 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems. Volume 1: Development and Characterization of Multifunctional Materials; Mechanics and Behavior of Active Materials; Modeling, Simulation and Control of Adaptive Systems. Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. September 21–23, 2015. V001T02A010. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/SMASIS2015-9040
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