Abstract
Two types of multilayer actuators based on a shape memory alloy (SMA) film as an active component are explored theoretically. One of them uses the bending of an actuator due to the movement of an austenite/martensite interface of a SMA film parallel to a film plane. Another type of actuation uses the combination of passive layers with different coefficients of thermal expansion for engineering curvature. It is shown that in both cases the actuating deformation of the multilayer actuators can be optimized by the combination of the layers with different elastic properties, misfits and thickness.
