Abstract
In this study, shape memory alloy (SMA) wires which were thermally-treated in a desired shape were embedded in the unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) laminates aiming to utilize actively the anisotropic property of CFRTP as the active thermal actuator. The deformation behavior of the SMA/CFRTP laminate subjected to thermal load was investigated. The temperature is a significant parameter because the elastic property of SMA/CFRTP depends on the shape memory temperature of SMA wires and glass transition temperature of thermoplastic matrix. In this experiment, SMA/CFRTP laminates were fabricated with a hot press molding using unidirectional carbon fiber /PA6 (CF/PA6) prepreg sheets, PA6 films and Ni-Ti wires. The effects of placements of SMA wires and laminated sequences of SMA/CFRTP laminates on the deformation behavior of these laminates under the elevated temperature were investigated with the digital 3D strain field measurement.
