Experimental study of characterization and optimization of shape memory alloy sheet for enhanced mechanical actuation performance for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)

Abstract In this paper, a shape memory alloy (SMA), NiTiNOL, zigzag sheet is used and experimental method is developed using programmable power supply, laser displacement sensor, and K-type thermocouple to investigate actuation and thermo-mechanical behavior of trained SMA zigzag sheet under three different weights, 2.5 N, 3.5 N, and 4.5 N, along with three distinct voltage levels 2.0 V, 3.0 V, and 4.0 V and hysteresis curves are comprehensively examined to get optimum value of load and voltage to achieve better life cycle and actuation as per the requirement of the design. The displacement and temperature data of the zigzag sheet is recorded for every 200 ms for the entire operating life, utilizing heating and cooling processes, of the zigzag sheet and the value of constant displacement for each cycle is optimized which can be used for the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).