Variable stiffness materials for reconfigurable surface applications

Geoff McKnight; Chris Henry

doi:10.1117/12.601495

16 May 2005 Variable stiffness materials for reconfigurable surface applications

Geoff McKnight, Chris Henry

Proceedings Volume 5761, Smart Structures and Materials 2005: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.601495
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Reconfigurable and morphing structures can potentially provide a range of new functionalities including system optimization over broad operational conditions and multi-mission capability. Previous efforts in morphing surfaces have generally focused on small deformation of high stiffness structural materials (e.g. aluminum, CFRP) or large deformation of low stiffness non-structural materials (e.g. elastomers). This paper introduces a new approach to achieving large strains in materials with high elastic moduli (5 to 30+ GPa). The work centers on creating variable stiffness composite materials which exhibit a controllable change in elastic modulus (bending or axial) and large reversible strains (5-15%). Several prototype materials were prepared using a commercial shape memory polymer, and measurements on these materials indicate a controllable change in stiffness as a function of temperature along with large reversible strain accommodation. We have fabricated and tested several design variations of laminar morphing materials which exhibit structural stiffness values of 8-12 GPa, changes in modulus of 15-77x, and large reversible bending strain and recovery of 2% area change in specific sample types. Results indicate that significant controllable changes in stiffness are possible.

Citation Download Citation

Geoff McKnight and Chris Henry "Variable stiffness materials for reconfigurable surface applications", Proc. SPIE 5761, Smart Structures and Materials 2005: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics, (16 May 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.601495

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