Comparative analysis of electrical and hot water actuation of shape memory alloy spring using thermo-mechanical cycle test bench

Tameshwar Nath; Priya Chouhan; Reena Disawal; I.A. Palani

doi:10.14429/dsj.67.10489

Tameshwar Nath Mechatronics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore
Priya Chouhan Centre for Material Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore
Reena Disawal Mechatronics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore
I.A. Palani Mechatronics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.67.10489

Keywords: Shape memory alloy (Ni-Ti), Thermo-mechanical cycling test bench, Characterization technique, Application, Hot water actuation

Abstract

The optimal design and analysis of hot water actuated shape memory alloy spring is presented. Smart materials exhibit special properties that make them a preferred choice for industrial applications in many branches of engineering. The serviceable properties of a Ni-Ti piece can be improved by altering the energy source. With hot water actuation, as the temperature reaches 70 °C - 90 °C, spring gets fully compressed for the first few cycles followed by loss in actuation. The actuation loss is then studied with different characterisation methods such as thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). With SEM results, it can be strongly recommended that the energy source is sufficient for actuation (not affecting too much the structure). Results observed from TGA shows high oxygen content at lower temperature, suggest the need of conducting experiments in inert atmosphere. For the validation of hot water actuation, comparative analysis between electrical and hot water actuation is done. Graph shows that, there is a good agreement between both the methods. In addition to this, the application of hot water actuation is some micro-devices like micro-valve, drug delivery, directional control valve, also in engine in place of thermostat valve etc.

Author Biographies

Tameshwar Nath, Mechatronics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore

Mr Tameshwer Nath has completed his Post Graduated from Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur, Punjab. Currently PhD from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh. His area of interest includes smart materials, surface engineering, opto-mechatronics and fabrication of micro devices for practical applications.

Priya Chouhan, Centre for Material Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore

Ms Priya Chouhan obtained her ME (Production and Industrial Engineering) from Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, in July 2016. Currently working as a research associate at Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, Madhya pradesh. Her area of interest includes : Smart materials, laser technology, opto-mechatronics and fabrication of smart structures for practical applications.

Reena Disawal, Mechatronics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore

Dr Reena Disawal has received her ME and PhD from Devi Ahilya University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, in 2009 and 2016, respectively. Currently she is working as a National Post-Doc Fellow in Mechanical Engineering Department at Indian Institute of Technology, Indore. Her current research interest includes automated interferogram analysis, metrology, interferometry and smart materials.

I.A. Palani, Mechatronics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore

Dr I.A. Palani completed his PhD from Department of Mechanical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India. Currently working as Associate Professor in department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore. His area of interest includes : Laser assisted micro processing, surface engineering, opto-mechatronics and nano structures for functional device.