Manufacture by forming and characterization of actuator profiles based on Shape-Memory-Alloys

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. A. Erman Tekkaya; Professor Dr.-Ing. Kay A. Weidenmann
• Subject Area: Metallurgical, Thermal and Thermomechanical Treatment of Materials
• Term: from 2013 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239663515

Composite extrusion with modified porthole dies is a suitable manufacturing process for unidirectionally reinforced metal matrix composites. During the extrusion process, specific reinforcing elements in the form of wires or ribbons are fed into the welding chamber of the die. Previous investigations regarding the embedding of reinforcing elements and also of functional elements by means of the composite extrusion process have been performed within SFB / TR 10. In order to expand the innovative potential of composite materials, so called shape-memory-alloys should be integrated into structural profiles. By means of a thermally induced reaction of the shape memory elements integrated in the profile, an active actuator function of the structure can be achieved. A reversible function by means of a two-way-shape-memory-effect can be achieved due to a thermomechanical treatment subsequently to the profile production. For the production of actuators with graded properties, the thermomechanical treatment is to be carried out over the entire profile length as well as locally. In this regard, the deformation limits of the composite material are determined. The profiles produced are to be tested by materials science investigations regarding their mechanical properties, the damage behaviour and the functionality of the actuator in order to determine and deepen the understanding of the material in the field of shape-memory-alloy-metal-matrix-composites (SMA-MMC).In the first phase of the project, the developed actuator concept was validated and the potential for increased mechanical properties was demonstrated. In the second phase of the project, the focus is on the numerical simulation of the actuator behaviour. The gained knowledge is then to be used for the design of actuators and profiles with improved mechanical properties.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants