Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of an Electro-Actuated Hinge Based on Shape Memory Composites

Автор: Wu Mingyuan

Соавторы: Liu Zhengxian, Liu Tao

Организация: Harbin Institute of Technology

This study proposes an electrically driven hinge structure with resin-impregnated carbon fiber reinforcement to overcome limitations of conventional thin-walled lenticular composite tube. The design methodology encompasses fabrication processes and comprehensive mechanical evaluation. Deployment characteristics—including stiffness, temporal response, and positioning accuracy—were quantified under varied environmental conditions. High-speed cinematography captured dynamic deployment processes to analyze kinematic behavior. Cyclic loading tests evaluated fatigue life and long-term reliability. Reusability was verified through repeated coiling-recovery tests, with in-situ damage evolution monitored via optical microscopy. Functional validation confirmed successful deployment when integrated with solar arrays. The resulting lightweight hinge exhibits superior stiffness-to-mass ratio, demonstrating a novel design paradigm for aerospace deployable structures.