Design and simulation of an intelligent variable structure utilizing SMA corrugated plates

To address the increasing demand for miniaturization and integration in artificial satellites, the development of foldable and efficient deployable structures is crucial. This study presents a novel, intelligent variable structure that leverages NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) to achieve an impressive deployable/foldable ratio exceeding eightfold. The structure’s extension and contraction can be precisely controlled through temperature regulation, providing significant adaptability. A key innovation of this design is the joint-driving mechanism, which uses multiple SMA corrugated plates to convert the material’s strain into rotational movement at the structure’s joints. Through optimization using the Optimal Latin Hypercube and Multi-Island Genetic Algorithm methods, the performance of a single SMA corrugated plate was significantly enhanced, resulting in improved torque output and rotation capability. Incorporating this optimized plate into the joint-driving mechanism enables the intelligent structure to achieve a maximum deployable/foldable ratio of 8.96 and a deployable angle of 20.62°. Furthermore, motion simulations allowed us to optimize the number of SMA corrugated plates, confirming the system’s ability to transmit significant deformation from the driving element to the entire structure. The numerical validation of this intelligent variable structure demonstrates its exceptional deployable/foldable ratio, highlighting its promising potential for various engineering applications.