Structure based on shape memory alloy actuator

This paper presents a study that has been carried out on a barrier structure experimental model as conceived by the authors and powered by a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. SMAs have begun to be increasingly present in industrial applications because of their high reliability and because they can replace the functions of motors or complex gears, despite their simple construction and their light weight. It is obvious that the barrier structures' performances are directly related to the actuators' driving systems' performance. The actuator used in our model is based on three SMA springs and works as a linear actuator by contracting at great strength and speed thus exerting the necessary force to lift the barrier arm when heated. Depending on the combination of these three springs, the designer can control the direction of actuation, the amount of force generated and the stroke of the actuator. The active shape change control of SMA springs can effectively increase the efficiency of such a barrier in several different regimes. The first part of this article describes the accomplished experimental model and its operation mode. In the second part, an experimental analysis of the SMA springs-based barrier structure behavior is carried out.