Several thermoset shape memory polymers (SMPs) including styrene-based SMP and epoxy-based SMP have been developed. The actuating methods of SMP including electro-activate, laser-activate are achieved. Some SMP composite materials are prepared to improve the properties of SMP such as thermo-mechanical properties and conductive properties.

Shape recovery sequence of a SMP flower

Shape recovery sequence of a SMP sample with 10% chained Ni powders

Artificial Muscle Actuator materials that can reproduce the multi-functionality of natural muscles have long been desired for the development of aerospace, biologically inspired robots and biomedicine. Using electroactive polymers (EAP) as artificial muscles is adding an important element to the development of bionic robot manipulator, artificial arm and facial expressions. Axial expansion of wound roll dielectric elastomer actuator is a function of driving voltage.

Wound roll dielectric elastomer actuator

A deployment process of a prototype of solar arrays which is actuated by a SMPC hinge

Morphing technologies can be used to improve aircraft performance, expand its flight envelope, and replace conventional control surfaces, which provide the ability to maximize the performance of each mission envelope. A morphing aircraft may perform a variety of mission objectives and functions under many flight conditions.

Variable camber wing

HIT-SF1 Morphing aircraft prototype

Piezoelectric hydraulic pump

Fiber optic sensors and piezoceramics sensors are used to monitor the manufacturing process and structural heath status of the composite structure such as pressure vessel.

• Fiber Optic Acoustic Emission Sensors
• TDM and WDM FBG Demodulation System
• Piezoceramic sensors and wireless sensing
• Damage identification and localized of composite laminates

Non-Destructive evaluation of composite pressure vessel using fiber optic sensors

Compared to traditional piezoelectric materials such as piezoceramics, Macro fiber composites (MFC) are featured in their flexibility of large deformation and broad band inputs. A negative velocity feedback controller is designed to actively control the amplitude of the vibration of the smart hull structure equipped with rectangular MFC actuators and sensors in a closed control loop. A real-time active vibration control system is used to monitor the dynamic performances of the structure by applying proper control input voltages.

Pipeline vibration control

Due to the unique structure and physical properties and numerous potential applications, multifunctional nanocomposites have been extensively studied recently and are expected to attract more attention in the future. Nanocomposites can be defined as materials which have structured components with at least one dimension less than 100nm, possessed of excellent mechanical and electrical ability. It can be used in future military or civil facilities, such as the structure's EMI shielding and lightning strike protection.

• Fiber Reinforced Nanocomposites
• Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Composites

The multistable structure is potentially suitable for a wide variety of the systems, such as morphing aircraft, deployable structures and mechanical switches. The bistable unsymmetric composite laminate has been developed. A smooth wave-like skin allowing multistable shapes has been proposed. The multistable smooth wave-like skin can not only give a smooth surface but also can bear the aerodynamic loads.

First stable shape

Second stable shape
The bistable unsymmetric composite laminate

Stable shapes of wave like multistable skins

Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) with the unique electro-mechanical coupling performance has a marvelous advantage in terms of starting, braking, torque regulating, continuously variable transmitting, over load protecting, etc. Due to the outstanding controllable rheological performance, MRF has been used in large variety of devices, such as clutches, bakes, vibration isolators, shock absorbers. A lot of research on the design and experiment of the MRF clutch have been done. Two different types of MRF clutch we manufactured have been shown below.

Performance testing rigs of disc type MR fluid clutch and cylinder MR fluid clutch