UNITV Main Technical Achievements M36

The Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Rome Tor Vergata has started its numerical modelling activity to simulate the shape memory behavior of smart composites. The case study is the prototyped smart finger prototype which has been investigated to validate numerically experimental findings. In the developed FEM model a shape memory polymer (SMP) interlayer was placed between carbon fiber reinforced (CFR) skins.

The first part of the simulation aimed at evaluating the stiffness of the shape memory polymer composite (SMPC) finger by varying the number of the CFR skins. The second part aimed at evaluating if the triggering effect of the polymer transition for shape memory behavior could be modelled by means of changes in the material damping coefficient.

Positive results will allow implementing a full thermomechanical analysis to replicate the experimental shape memory curves, and having a powerful instrument to predict the behavior of large grabbing devices during operation. In fact, next steps will be simulating large grabbing devices to find the best strategy for the memory and recovery phases. Numerical analysis and manufacturing technology are a winning combination for the development of efficient and reliable SMPC devices for “in Space” and “on Earth” applications.

Contact person:

Prof. Fabrizio Quadrini ([email protected])

Prof. Loredana Santo ([email protected])

Ing. Leandro Iorio ([email protected])

Ing. Marco Regi ([email protected])

Ing. Leandro Iorio ([email protected])

Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata