T.R.U.S.T.
Torsional Retrieval Using SMA Truss
|
| University Of Kansas T.R.U.S.T. Torsional Retrieval Using SMA Truss |
| |||
|
Home * Our Project * Meet The Team * Outreach * NASA's Microgravity University * University of Kansas Engineering
|
|
In 2007, the goal of our project was to develop a concept for spacecraft docking that was safer and simpler than the existing procedures. Our design used shape memory alloy wires (read about it at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_memory_alloy) to control the movement of a truss, which is shown in the figure below. The model in the image shows the supports, made of wrapped Kevlar fibers, glued onto a piano wire backbone. Shape memory alloy wires will then be woven through the Kevlar supports. Applying a current to the wires contracts them, giving us the desired movements.
After many intermediate designs, we have constructed a model which displayed desirable and repeatable results. Sweet!
|