Solar Panel Deployment Using Shape Memory Alloy Actuator

In this project, it is intended to apply the design methodologies of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) acting as a linear actuator in a mechanical system. The object of study is a prototype satellite with a solar panel attached with a rotational hinge. The displacement of the linear actuator results in the deployment of the solar panel within the designed time of actuation. A bias tensile spring acts as the resistive load in order to deploy the panel. A dynamic simulation is performed, intending to characterize the variation of the tensile force of the actuator over time. The methodology of calculation for the SMA design, as well as the numerical results are presented. The design resulted in a selection of a Nitinol wire with 0.15mm diameter to be used as the linear actuator. The control method to deploy the panel is also presented. Finally, an experiment is conducted where the selected wire is implemented and tested successfully.