Shape Memory Alloy components: energy-consistent modelling and testing

The thesis aims to develop a novel control-oriented model for a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator and subsequently validate it through experimental tests. The main idea is to exploit energy balancing and exchange, along with proper constitutive equations, to represent SMA dynamical behavior. A SMA wire has been considered as a benchmark. The proposed approach returns equations with macroscopically reconstructable variables, embodying the hidden material’s internal phase state. This has allowed the development of simple test methodologies to characterize the several parameters. Moreover, it is also preparatory to a future control project. The characterization tests have been first validated in a simulation environment and subsequently carried out in the laboratory through an experimental set-up, consisting of a traction machine and ad hoc designed electronics. Promising results concerning the data’s accuracy have been obtained and they must be considered a first step towards more accurate modelling and test techniques.