• Bollengier, Q.
• Cherif, Chokri
• Häntzsche, Eric Martin
• Nocke, Andreas
• Mersch, Johannes
• Rabe, David

Abstract

<p>In the course of promoting sustainability through the use of lightweight structures, there is currently a high demand for functionalized fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP). In particular, adaptive FRP with both structurally integrated solid-state joints and actuators provide a high innovation potential. Conventional motion mechanisms are usually based on external kinematics with high inertia and consequently high energy consumption. Even though actuators based on shape memory alloy (SMA) can be easily processed by mean of textile techniques, only few studies use the weft-knitting technology for the realization of adaptive FRP with integrated actuators. This study presents the development and realization of functionalized weft-knitted fabrics with integrated in-situ SMA actuators interconnected with conductive yarns for the realization of adaptive FRP with integrated kinematics. After composite producing through infusion with a thermoset resin, the functional properties of adaptive FRP were characterized and evaluated. In summary, this study highlights the suitability of the weft-knitting technology for the integral manufacturing of functionalized reinforcement fabrics with integrated in-situ actuator networks for the realization of adaptive FRP.</p>

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• composite
• resin
• thermoset