Preliminary investigation of fabrication composite structures by using shape memory alloys

The paper shows method of smart forming composite structures and fundamentals of propose fabrication technology. The presented method is based on innovative 3D printing technics with SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) fibres application. The SMA fibres layout cause an eccentric axial load after thermal activation. The result of this process is composite structures deflection in a predictable direction. The technology demonstrator sample was fabricated as well as numerical simulations were performed in aim of proof of concept. The identification process was developed to determine the layout of SMA fibres. The simulations were performed in MATLAB and ANSYS environment, where the genetic algorithm was used to identify geometrical parameters. The MAC (Modal Assurance Criterion) criterion was used to compare nodal solution with the predefined shape pattern. The simulation results shows possibilities of forming composite structures on the example of deflected beam.