Reversibly Reconfigurable Structures with Integrated Actuation
This project aims to develop an adaptive hinge with integrated actuation for a space application based on bistable composite tape springs and smart materials.
Project Team
- Edouard Tarter, Doctoral Student
- Aghna Mukherjee, Senior Scientist
- Paolo Ermanni, Principal Investigator
Contact
Project Duration:
2021 to 2024
Funding sources
- Innosuisse
Collaboration partner
Project Description
This research project aims to develop an adaptive hinge with integrated actuation for a space application based on bistable composite tape springs and smart materials. Lightweight composite structures play a crucial role in space applications: their high strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness allow high structural efficiency. Moreover, the composites' intrinsic anisotropy allows the development of adaptive structures, which can change their properties and shape if needed. Self-deployment systems in space frequently employ composite tape springs. To leverage their bistable character, we investigate how to utilize tape springs as reconfigurable hinges beyond self-deployment. To create a multifunctional adaptive structure, we develop a reversibly reconfigurable tape spring hinge with integrated actuation using shape-memory alloys.