J4 ›› 2012, Vol. 9 ›› Issue (2): 156-165.doi: 10.1016/S1672-6529(11)60111-X

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A Novel Implementation of a Flexible Robotic Fin Actuated by Shape Memory Alloy

Qin Yan1,2, Lei Wang1, Bo Liu1, Jie Yang1, Shiwu Zhang1   

  1. 1. Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
    2. Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215011, P. R. China
  • 出版日期:2012-06-30
  • 通讯作者: Shiwu Zhang E-mail:swzhang@ustc.edu.cn

A Novel Implementation of a Flexible Robotic Fin Actuated by Shape Memory Alloy

Qin Yan1,2, Lei Wang1, Bo Liu1, Jie Yang1, Shiwu Zhang1   

  1. 1. Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
    2. Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215011, P. R. China
  • Online:2012-06-30
  • Contact: Shiwu Zhang E-mail:swzhang@ustc.edu.cn

摘要:

In this paper, study of a novel flexible robotic-fin actuated by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) is presented. The developed robotic fin is capable of implementing various 3-Dimensional (3D) motions, which plays an important role in robot propulsion and maneuverability. Firstly, the morphological and mechanics parameters of a real pectoral fin from a carp are investigated. Secondly, a detailed design of the flexible pectoral fin driven by SMA is presented according to the previous morphological and mechanics analyses. Thirdly, a simplified theoretical model on the SMA fin plate is derived. The thermodynamics of the SMA plate and the relationship between curvature and phase transformation are analyzed. Finally, several simulations and model experiments are conducted according to the previous analyses. The results of the experiments are useful for the control of the robotic fin. The experimental results reveal that the SMA actuated fin ray has a good actuating performance.

关键词: shape memory alloy, robotic fin, SMA fin plate

Abstract:

In this paper, study of a novel flexible robotic-fin actuated by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) is presented. The developed robotic fin is capable of implementing various 3-Dimensional (3D) motions, which plays an important role in robot propulsion and maneuverability. Firstly, the morphological and mechanics parameters of a real pectoral fin from a carp are investigated. Secondly, a detailed design of the flexible pectoral fin driven by SMA is presented according to the previous morphological and mechanics analyses. Thirdly, a simplified theoretical model on the SMA fin plate is derived. The thermodynamics of the SMA plate and the relationship between curvature and phase transformation are analyzed. Finally, several simulations and model experiments are conducted according to the previous analyses. The results of the experiments are useful for the control of the robotic fin. The experimental results reveal that the SMA actuated fin ray has a good actuating performance.

Key words: shape memory alloy, robotic fin, SMA fin plate