Actuator made of a material with a shape memory effect for transformable space structures

Transformable structures represent a special class of large space systems. They are delivered into orbit in a tightly packed state. When the required parameters of the orbit are reached, their deployment or trans-formation is carried out. The shape of the transformed structure is rigidly fixed upon completion of the transformation process. At the same time, shock loads occur on its constituent elements. The complication of design schemes and the increase in the dimensions of modern transformable space systems due to the increase in their operational functionality leads to the necessity of improving their mass characteristics. At present, many variants of transformable structures of space antennas have been developed abroad and in our country, the ratio of the mass of mirrors to their areas has decreased to 0.5.–1.5 kg/m2. Further im-provement of transformable space structures is possible with the use of materials with the shape memory effect to create actuators that ensure controlled shock-free deployment of these structures from the transport state to the working position Experimental and theoretical studies of the actuator model made of titanium nickelide material have confirmed the fundamental possibility of its use for the deployment of promising transformable space structures. During the tests, the main characteristics of the actuator model were determined, namely: the actuation force, the working stroke and the actuation time.