Dynamic characterization of remotely triggered digital actuator

In this article, remote optical actuation of a digital actuator is realized. The digital actuator which will be discussed in this work is a bistable curved-beam. Main emphasis will be given onto the characterization of remotely triggered bistable curved-beam and the dynamics of the system. A straight beam of dimensions 25 × 1.5 × 0.508 mm³, fabricated by rapid prototype technique and curved mechanically, is actuated between the two stable states by laser heated SMA active elements. Experimentation is carried out to actuate the curved-beam using only one SMA element as well as with two SMA elements acting as an antagonistic pair. The switching time with only one SMA active element comes out to be 0.8 s for laser power of 100 mW and stroke length of 1500 μm, whereas in case of antagonistic pair it was 1.8 s for the same parameters.