抄録
This paper presents the experimental results for demonstrating multiple small patch-type actuators to control the shape of large membrane structures. The patch-type actuators are made with temperature-induced shape memory polymer material. The tensile pre-strain is given for the patch before attaching them on the membrane structures to be controlled. By heating up to their glass transition temperature, the shape recovery force is provided to the membrane and the shape of the membrane can be adjusted in order to maintain their demanded shape. The basic experiments showed that the out-of-plane large displacement on the membrane was clearly reduced by the shape recovery of the patches. However, unexpected residual displacement was also observed. Discussion on the reason for the incompleteness of the shape recovery of the patches is also described.
