A stabilized, high stress self-biasing shape memory alloy actuator

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator that is biased internally would not need an external bias to achieve multiple actuation cycles. This would reduce cost, complexity and weight compared to standard one-way SMAs. The self-biasing actuators that have been developed to date have a lack of geometric and actuation stability. The current study developed a self-biasing NiTi actuator using a laser based vaporization process to alter the bulk …