Smart composite structures with shape memory alloys

—damage suppression and shape control—

Abstract

    In recent years, smart structures that can adapt effectively to the changes in the environment have been developed by many researchers. In this paper, the author reviews the researches on smart composite structures with shape memory alloys (SMA) integrated into the structural members. By using the recovery force caused by the shape memory effect or the energy absorption characteristic of the super-elasticity of the SMA, the damage progress in composite structures can be suppressed or the shape of the members can be controlled. Especially, lightweight adaptive structures that the authors have developed by combining honeycomb-shape SMA and composite laminates are mainly introduced.