Design of torque actuators based on ferromagnetic shape memory alloy composites

A new first generation torque actuator based on ferromagnetic shape memory alloy composite is designed. The first generation actuator made of Fe bars and TiNi wires is successfully demonstrated. A simple model is proposed for prediction of angle of twist for a given constant load. The optimization of FSMA composite plate is made by a composite modeling under the constraints that the super-elastic SMA plate attains higher stress beyond the onset of the stress-induced martensite transformation while the ferromagnetic plate remains elastic.