The application of shape memory actuators in anthropomorphic upper limb prostheses.
In recent years, single crystal Cu-Al-Ni alloys with shape memory behavior (SMB) became generally commercialized. They achieved the level of extended application, including upper limb human prosthesis with anthropomorphic characteristics. An actuator based in single crystal Cu-Al-Ni alloy was tested as a prototype for prosthetic actuators. Their thermal cycle times remarkably define the actuator dynamics and the idea of preheating to reduce its response time was tested. To elaborate the heating conditions, the chemical composition of martensitic and austenitic single crystals, Cu-Al-Ni alloy samples were examined. The dynamic response of a martensitic actuator made with SMB and the power consumed with preheating was analyzed. It demonstrates that the presence of more elements in alloys may be fundamental to displace the heating diagram and to reduce the power consumed.
dos Santos
Christian Mariani Lucas
CM
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technology Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil.
da Cunha
Fransergio Leite
FL
Dynnikov
Vladimir Ivanovitch
VI
D000497:Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D000535:Aluminum; D000886:Anthropometry; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D003300:Copper; D006225:Hand; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008420:Manufactured Materials; D008422:Materials Testing; D009532:Nickel; D011474:Prosthesis Design
D000497:Alloys; D003300:Copper; D009532:Nickel; D000535:Aluminum