Abstract
The shape memory polymer (SMP) has shape fixability that keeps a deformed shape given in a rubber state having a glass transition temperature Tg or higher, in a glass state of Tg or lower, and a shape recovery property as an elastic body in a rubber state There. The former can be used for storage, the latter can be used for deployment and shape deformation. In this research, we propose a concept of the variable membrane structure using SMP patches. Basic experiments are performed to show its validity. , In the experiments, a three-dimensional cylinder with a number of SMP patches is demonstrated to show its capability of shape generation that can be applied to increment of the out-of-plane stiffness and an autonomous storing mechanism for membrane structures.
