Development of position/force feedback control for shape memory alloys processed Multiple Memory Material (MMM) technology

北美汽车制造商正准备迎接政府大幅提高燃油效率评级的要求。类似的政策已经开始在欧洲实施。因此，迫切需要使车辆变得更轻，进而提高燃油效率。形状记忆合金(SMA)驱动器已被确定为在实现这些目标方面发挥重要作用；然而，到目前为止，由于其有限的功能，其应用一直受到限制。智能合金公司凭借其革命性的多存储材料(MMM)技术克服了其中的许多挑战。然而，需要对MMM进行表征和适当的建模，才能在工业上用作执行器。本项目旨在建立MMM的模型，并设计一种控制策略，使MMM执行器能够通过实时电流控制精确地产生力/位移。

North American automotive manufacturers are preparing for a government mandate to significantly increase fuel efficiency ratings. Similar policies have already begun to be implemented in Europe. Hence, there is an immediate need to make vehicles lighter, and in turn more fuel efficient. Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators have been identified to play an instrumental role in achieving these goals; however, until now applications have been restricted due their limited functionality. Smarter Alloys Inc. has overcome many of these challenges with their revolutionary Multiple Memory Material (MMM) technology. However, the MMM needs to be characterized and properly be modeled to be used as actuators in industry. This project aims at modeling of MMM, and design of a control strategy in which the MMM actuator can accurately produce force/displacement through real-time current control.