Performance of a Two-Way Shape Memory Microgripper Actuator

A numerical simulation is carried out in this study to assess the performance of a shape memory microgripper operating under the nonconventional zero-load two-way shape memory effect (TWSME). To this end, a recently developed multimechanism material model is parameterized to reproduce the TWSME of shape memory alloys (SMAs). The gripper is designed to open and close (as it grasps and releases an object) a number of times. The results obtained are compared to that of an experiment in which the actuation device worked under the traditional method of antagonistic or selective heating and cooling of the gripper components. The contact force generated under the TWSME was found to be of the same order as that obtained in the experimental test. Moreover, when the device is needed to operate under extended cycles, the TWSM microgripper actuator appears suitable, considering the simplicity of operational steps and long-term stable behavior of the device under cycles.