Self-controlling structures using thermal shape memory alloys

Due to their high specific workloads and small spatial requirements, shape memory alloys (SMA) possess an outstanding potential to serve as miniaturized positioning devices in small machines. They provide sensory and actory capabilities, being self-sufficient and a structure inherent control loop. Based on its unique properties we present examples of SMA-actuated applications and methods of modeling systems, in which the material is used to compensate thermal induced strain in machine tool relevant applications and show how the overall system design can be achieved.