Reinforcement Learning for Determining Temperature/Strain Behavior of Shape Memory Alloys Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • The ability to actively control the shape of aerospace structures has led to the implementation of Shape Memory Alloy actuators. These actuators can be used for morphing or shape control by modulating their temperature, which is effectively done by applying a voltage difference across their length. Characterization of this temperature-strain relationship is currently done using constitutive models, which is time and labor intensive. Shape Memory Alloys also contain both major and minor hysteresis loops. Understanding the hysteresis is crucial for practical applications, and characterization of the minor hysteresis loops, which map the behavior of a wire that is not fully actuated, is not possible using the constitutive method. 'umerical simulation using Reinforcement Learning has been used for determining the temperature-strain relationship and characterizing the major and minor hysteresis loops, and determining a control policy relating applied temperature changes to desired strain. This paper extends and improves upon the numerical simulation results, using an experimental hardware apparatus and improved Reinforcement Learning algorithms. Results presented in the paper verify the numerical simulation results for determining the temperature-strain major hysteresis loop behavior, and also determine the relationships of the minor hysteresis loops. Copyright 2009 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.

name of conference

  • 47th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including The New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition

published proceedings

  • 47th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including The New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition

author list (cited authors)

  • Kirkpatrick, K., & Valasek, J.

citation count

  • 0

complete list of authors

  • Kirkpatrick, Kenton||Valasek, John

publication date

  • January 2009