2006 Ohio Student Research Forum

Abstract

Controlling of a Stiquito Robot
Jose Llapa
Cleveland State University
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: Dr. Hanz Richter

Shape memory alloys are strands of metal such as TiNi which exhibit two very unique properties, pseudo-elasticity, and the shape memory effect. These unique properties make this type of alloy very attractive and are currently being tested and applied in different fields. Some of the most promising applications are in aeronautics, clinical procedures, and robotic muscles. This research concentrates in investigating methods that improve the chemical and mechanical properties of shape memory alloys with great emphasis in super elasticity and strength of the metal for applications in the aeronautics field. Nickel-Titanium Alloys with nearly equal weight percent mixture were by far the best alloy displaying super elasticity behavior and good shape memory. Recoverable strains around 8% have been attained. To witness the mechanical deformation behavior due to temperature change, thus phase transformation of a shape memory alloy, the student built a Stiquito, a small hexapod robot that uses nitinol, which contracts and expands to provide movement. Various examples of different aeronautical and medical applications, advantages, and areas of improvement for shape memory alloys are presented in the research.