Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a group of adaptive polymers that can recover the permanent shape from a temporary shape by external stimuli on demand. Among a variety of external stimuli for polymer actuation, temperature is the most extensively used. In SMP applications, one of the major design considerations is the time necessary to recover the shape without external deformation constraints, or free recovery, and the amount of the recoverable strain. This paper investigates the amount of the recoverable strain and the recovery rate of an epoxy-based SMP (Veriflex® E, VFE1-62 (CRG, Dayton, OH)) under different thermal conditions. In particular, the free recovery behaviors of the SMPs under two experimental protocols, isothermal and shape memory (SM) cycle, are studied. It is found that free recovery in isothermal experiments is much faster than that in a SM cycle at the same recovering temperature and the material is fully recoverable at the temperature above differential scanning calorimetry Tg. Furthermore, for the recovery in SM cycle experiments, reshaping the sample at a low temperature and recovering from the deformation at a high temperature yield the fastest recovery rate, while reshaping at a high temperature and recovering at a low temperature cannot recover the original shape within this work’s experimental time frame. The possible mechanism for these observations is discussed.
Deployable optics comprised of an electroformed, replicated nickel optical surface supported by a reinforced shape memory resin composite substrate have the potential to meet the requirements for rapid fabrication of lightweight, monolithic, deployable, large optics. Evaluation has been completed for various composite constructions including shape memory resin, carbon fiber reinforcement and syntactic fillers bonded to the electroformed nickel surface. Results from optical and structural performance tests on the 0.5 meter aperture deployable test items are also applicable to non-deployable replicated composite optics.
Seamless skins for morphing vehicles have been demonstrated as feasible but establishing robust fastening methods for morphing skins is one of the next key challenges. Skin materials previously developed by Cornerstone Research Group and others include high-performance, reinforced elastomeric and shape memory polymer (SMP)-based composites. Recent focus has shifted to improving performance and increasing the technology readiness level of these materials. Cycling of recently demonstrated morphing skins has determined that an abrupt interface between rigid and soft materials leads to localized failure at the interface over time. In this paper, a fundamental understanding between skin material properties and transition zone design are combined with advanced modeling techniques. A thermal gradient methodology is simulated to predict performance benefits. Experimental testing and simulations demonstrated improvement in morphing component performance for a uniaxial case. This work continues to advance development to eliminate fastening as the weak link in morphing skin technology and provides tools for use in morphing structure design.
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