Composite structure adapted for controlled structural deformation

摘要

A composite structure and related fabrication method is provided which has a plurality of composite material layers and at least one embedded shape memory alloy component for providing controlled structural deformation. The shape memory alloy component includes a shape memory alloy tendon having a relaxed shape at temperatures below a predetermined transition temperature and a contracted shape at temperatures above the predetermined transition temperature. The shape memory alloy component also comprises a pair of electrically insulating opposing face sheets adhered to opposite sides of the shape memory alloy tendon to electrically isolate the shape memory alloy tendon from the surrounding composite material layers. The shape memory alloy component is embedded within the plurality of composite material layers such that raising the temperature of the shape memory alloy tendon above the transition temperature creates a controlled structural deformation of both the shape memory alloy component and the surrounding composite material layers.