SMA-based space release device for solar panels deployment

Most of separating operations for solar panels have been achieved by utilizing explosive bolt nowadays. However, with the development of space technology, especially when new generations of small satellites start to emerge, traditional pyrotechnical products cannot provide spacecrafts with satisfied performance, since the fierce shock and contamination are not avoidable. Thus, developing novel types of non-pyrotechnical actuators has become the research focus for release mechanism. In this paper, we propose to adopt the memory effect of the shape memory alloy (SMA) for developing release devices. Brinson theory has been chosen as the theoretical foundation of performance analysis. This new type of mechanism mitigates the problem of shock and contamination, meanwhile possessing several excellent advantages such as compact volume, quick response, outstanding synchronism and reusability.