[Zurück]

J. Matovic, K. Reichenberger:
"Two - way SMA actuators for space application: performances and reliability";
Procedia Engineering, 5 (2010), S. 1372 - 1375.

We demonstrate for the first time highly reliable actuators based on two-way shape memory effect (TWSME). Under life test, our
actuators endure 300.000 loading cycles without performance degradation (fade out or amnesia). Further, we developed
manufacturing technology which enables programming of the actuator deformation in austenite and martensite phase within the
tolerance of ±6 %. Novel actuators were qualified at the breadboard model level as the first TWSME actuators for space
applications at the European Space Agency. The actuators are based on 50μm thick NiTi alloy foil, doped with Cu. These novel
actuators for the spacecraft thermal management system can reduce the mass of vane louvers from the current 4-5 kg/m2 to less
than 500 g/m2. Further, due to the application of special optical coatings, the new louvers demonstrate better heat rejection
efficiency than the existing systems.

Shape memory alloy; two way shape memory effect; spacecraft thermal control

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2010.09.370