Overview of recent achievements, describing the microactuator development of microvalves and liner actuators comprehensively from concept through prototype. Further key aspects included are three-dimensional models for handling complex SMA actuator geometries and coupled simulation routines that take multifunctional properties into account. Mechanical and thermal optimization criteria are introduced for actuator design, allowing an optimum use of the shape memory effect. It is shown that some of the prototypes presented, e.g. SMA microgrippers, already outperform conventional components.

Shape Memory Composites Based on Polymers and Metals for 4D Printing is a thorough discussion of the physics and chemistry behind this developing area of materials science. It provides readers with a clear exposition of shape-memory-composite (SMC) preparation techniques for 3D and 4D printing processes and explains how intelligent manufacturing technology may be applied in fields such as robotics, construction, medical science, and smart sensors. The book covers fundamental background knowledge on the synthesis of shape memory polymers (SMPs) and shape memory alloys (SMAs), and additive manufacturing techniques. Polymers and metals and their roles in 4D printing are dealt with separately, and applications of 4D printing are treated in their own chapter. The different alloy compositions and nanoparticle fillers in polymer composites are examined in detail, along with the key mechanisms involved in their processing. Hybrid nanofillers and synergistic composite mixtures, which are either in extensive current use or have shown promising outcomes in the field of 4D printing, are thoroughly discussed. Differences between these novel SMCs and traditional metal alloys, organic and inorganic composites are presented, and means by which they can improve mechanical properties that are triggered by external sources like magnetic field, temperature, and pH of solvent, are set out. This book provides practitioners, industrial researchers, and scholars with a state-of-the-art overview of SMP/SMA synthesis, additive manufacturing, modification in synthesis of SMCs for 4D printing, and their likely future applications.

The first dedicated book describing the properties, preparation, characterization and device applications of TiNi-based shape memory alloys.

Exploring the design and use of micro- and meso-actuators, this book begins with theory and a general synopsis of the state-of-the-art in theoretical research. It discusses how to employ modern approaches in research and design activity, then presents a systematic list of already available products and details their potential for use. Design possibilities based on new technologies are clearly separated from those due to scale reduction, aiding in the selection of proper technology. The author takes a multi-physic approach to guarantee a comprehensive modeling technique, while the many references to experimental data and to existing microacutators assure an effective applicability of proposed theories.

The CISM-IFToMM RoManSy Symposia have played a dynamic role in the development of the theory and practice of robotics. The proceedings of the eleven symposia to date present a world view of the state of the art. The proceedings of this eleventh edition focus mainly on problems of mechanical engineering and control.