Beam shape feedback control by means of a shape memory actuator

This paper presents an experimental investigation of an adaptive flexible beam actuated by means of an actuator made of Shape Memory Alloy. The deflection of a flexible beam is controlled by means of resistive heating of a shape memory actuator and cooling in the surrounding air. The shape memory actuator consists of a NiTi wire fixed on the upper side of the beam. The heating of the wire causes it to contract, which in turn deflects the beam. A feedback control system was implemented to control this deflection, taking the Joule heat as the control variable. A number of control experiments were carried out using a proportional controller. The results obtained illustrate the potential of Shape Memory Actuators in the development of such applications.