ISSN:
1662-9779
Source:
Scientific.Net: Materials Science & Technology / Trans Tech Publications Archiv 1984-2008
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
The aim of this work was to design a control system for the shape memory alloy (SMA)actuator operated airfoil (a cross section of wind turbine blade). Design of SMA control is focusedon the reliable operation of the SMA actuators. The actuator should follow the targeted shapeaccurately and without too much delay. Another objective is to avoid overheating which is the mostcritical damage to the structure. SMA actuator shape control is in principle possible to do with anyposition control method, but the specific properties of the SMA actuators, like the hysteresis, thefirst cycle effect and the long term changes, need to be taken into account.In this work, a wing profile prototype was measured using optical fiber sensors and traditionalstrain gauges. Also, external laser sensors were used to measure displacements of upper/lowersurface and trailing edge. Shape change was obtained by embedding SMA wire actuators into fiberreinforced polymer (FRP) composite structure. SMA actuators were laminated in such way thatbending of trailing edge is always downwards. Actuators are activated with Joule heating and thetemperature is measured with integrated thermocouples and optical fiber temperature sensors.As a result, this work gave information about the usability of optical fibers sensors in active FRPcomposite structures. Measurements also give information about the efficiency of SMA actuators inshape control of relatively stiff FRP structures
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://www.tib-hannover.de/fulltexts/2011/0528/02/24/transtech_doi~10.4028%252Fwww.scientific.net%252FSSP.144.196.pdf