Evaluation of force-deformation characteristics of an actuator made of material with a shape memory effect for transformable space structures

The prospects for the development of space technology are currently closely linked with the creation of fundamentally new large-sized space structures. When designing large-sized systems, the scheme of which allows for automatic configuration change of the structure, it is necessary to take into account shock loads. They inevitably arise when fixing the working state of the structure in orbit upon completion of the process of its opening. To ensure smooth, reliable and shock-free opening of large-sized space structures, it is proposed to use force actuators with active elements made of titanium nickelide material with a shape memory effect. The proposed shape memory force actuator uses an active element in the form of a wire made of titanium nickelide material witch is being heated during operation by passing an electric current through it. One of the main parameters for the opening actuator of large-sized structures is its deformation-force characteristic. Experimental studies aimed at studying this characteristic of the active element of the actuator were carried out in the work. The study of the force-deformation characteristics was carried out under two types of loading: in one, the force changed during the test, and in the other it remained constant. It is worth noting that the amount of deformation that an active element can produce is directly related to the magnitude and nature of the resistance force applied to it. In the experiment, the active element demonstrated sufficient displacement under significant load. The experimental data obtained show the fundamental possibility of using active elements made of a material with a shape memory effect in the opening actuators of large-sized space structures. The obtained characteristic will play an important role in the development of a mathematical model of the functioning of an active element made of a material with a shape memory effect for the opening of a space structure with transformable configuration.