Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.T053
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, T053 (2023)
Fatigue testing of an actuator for aerospace applications made of shape memory material
Karol Ścisłowski1*
1 Department of Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Aviation Propulsion Systems, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin
* Corresponding author: k.scislowski@pollub.pl
Abstract
The paper presents the results of fatigue tests on an actuator made of a nickel-titanium alloy. The alloy, called NiTinol, has the property of shape memory, i.e. returning to the initial state before deformation under the influence of temperature. The actuator is to be used in aviation, as a component that changes the geometry of a helicopter blade during flight. Stationary measurements of the torsional torque generated by the actuator as a function of temperature were carried out. With the help of the built control and measurement system, the temperature was controlled in the range of 40-70°C. A temperature change rate of ΔT=0.12°C*s-1 was set, both during warm-up and during cooling. 50 cycles of the actuator were carried out. The maximum torsional torque that was obtained was 4.36 Nm at 70°C. With successive cycles of operation, the value of the generated torsional torque decreased. At the last test, the torsional torque was 3.92 Nm. It was also noticed that the pre-stress of the actuator was created, even after it cooled down. The stresses in the actuator were in the range of 0.12÷0.38 Nm, and it was noticeable that they increased with successive cycles of operation. A second test was carried out at a higher value of ΔT=0.2°C*s-1. It was shown that higher rates of temperature change produce higher internal stresses in the actuator in the range of 0.18÷0.68 Nm. This is due to uneven cooling of the actuator, and the temperature is adjusted based on the readings of the sensor located at the center of the active element. A comparison of the results obtained with previous tests on the actuator showed that reducing the introduced initial form strain for the active element reduced the value of the generated torsional torque, but had a positive effect on the life of the actuator.
How to cite
K. Ścisłowski, 2023. Fatigue testing of an actuator for aerospace applications made of shape memory material. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.T053