Shape memory alloy actuator fatigue properties

SMAs commonly hold a perceived downfall of low cyclic fatigue life, which is a significant design driver for SMA actuators. Some fatigue data is available for various types of cyclic loading, but little is applicable for use in actuators. ITN Energy Systems has done extensive fatigue testing directly applicable to SMA actuator design. In this paper, we compare our data to previous studies, and present practical guidelines to aid in the design of SMA actuators.