Design of Space Structures Made of Shape Memory Alloys for Stowability and Shape Control

Introduction Shape memory alloy (SMA) materials superelasticity and shape memory facilitate their use in stowable building units for space structures. With tight space allocation restrictions on vehicles, compactable structures present a viable alternative to standard structures whose size cannot be reduced. Technology description Researchers at the University of Washington have envisioned applications for cylindrically shaped pillars supported by SMA trusses. Cylinders can be compressed and stowed with a pin lock. The shape of the SMA struts is recoverable and controllable by heating of the trusses. Furthermore, cylinders may be interconnected to form more complex structures, such as a donut shape, and the phase transformation temperatures of the alloys can be controlled by the composition of SMA’s, based on the working environment. Business opportunity The use of SMA materials in space structures will help reduce the amount of cargo space occupied by stowable materials in space vehicles or any other application where space allocation is an issue. Stage of development Concept Intellectual property position The technology is available for licensing. The UW is currently reviewing this technology for worldwide patent protection.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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