Shape memory alloys (SMA) are a promising material class for active lightweight structure applications with movement functionality. Due to their high activation energy potential and good processability in wire shape, they are well suited for application in actively deformable, fibre-reinforced composite structures. In order to generate large deflections from the limited deformation potential of SMA, detailed analysis of the deformation mechanisms is required. In this work, a bionic approach is pursued, investigating the characteristics of locomotion systems of insects. A simplified joint concept is derived from the cockroach knee and implemented using flat knitting technology. A composite joint is manufactured with a resin infusion process and experimentally verified in regards to its motion behaviour. The presented results show good deformation behaviour with large deformation angles up to 60°, suggesting large potential for further development of the presented approach.
AbramovichH (2017) Intelligent Materials and Structures. Berlin, Boston: Walter de Gruyter GmbH.
2.
AlsopDW (1978) Comparative analysis of the intrinsic leg musculature of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.). Journal of Morphology158(2): 199–241.
3.
AndersenSO (2010) Insect cuticular sclerotization: a review. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology40(3): 166–178.
AshirMHahnLKlugeA, et al. (2016) Development of innovative adaptive 3D fiber reinforced plastics based on shape memory alloys. Composites Science and Technology126: 43–51.
6.
AshirMHindahlJNockeA, et al. (2017) Development of adaptive pleated fiber reinforced plastic composites. Composites Science and Technology148: 27–34.
7.
AshirMVoDMPNockeA, et al. (2018) Adaptive fiber-reinforced plastics based on open reed weaving functionalization. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering406: 12063.
8.
BollengierQWieczorekFHellmannS, et al. (2017) One-step manufacturing of innovative flat-knitted 3D net-shape preforms for composite applications. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering254: 42007.
9.
CherifC (2016) Textile Materials for Lightweight Constructions. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
10.
HoneggerH-WDeweyEMEwerJ (2008) Bursicon, the tanning hormone of insects: recent advances following the discovery of its molecular identity. Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology194(12): 989–1005.
11.
HopkinsTLKramerKJ (1992) Insect cuticle sclerotization. Annual Review of Entomology37(1), 273–302.
12.
HuangXKumarKJawedMK, et al. (2019) Highly dynamic shape memory alloy actuator for fast moving soft robots. Advanced Materials Technologies4(4): 1800540.
13.
KlassKDEulitzUSchmidtC, et al. (2009) The tibiotarsal articulation and intertibiotarsal leg sclerite in Dictyoptera (Insecta). Insect Systematics & Evolution40(4): 361–387.
14.
KlugeANockeAPaulC, et al. (2013) Development and characterization of textile-processable actuators based on shape-memory alloys for adaptive fiber-reinforced plastics. Textile Research Journal83(18): 1936–1948.
LeeJ-HChungYSRodrigueH (2019) Long Shape Memory Alloy Tendon-based Soft Robotic Actuators and Implementation as a Soft Gripper. Scientific Reports9(1): 11251.
17.
LohseFProbstHHickmannR, et al. (2019) Modeling of adaptive systems for interactive fiber rubber composites. In:AUTEX 19th world textile conference 2019, Ghent, Belgium, 11–15June. Ghent University.
18.
MantonSM (1977) The Arthropoda: Habits, Functional Morphology, and Evolution. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
19.
NakshatharanSSDhanalakshmiKJosephine Selvarani RuthD (2016) Effect of stress on bandwidth of antagonistic shape memory alloy actuators. Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures27(2): 153–165.
20.
RaoASrinivasaARReddyJN (2015) Design of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Actuators. Cham: Springer International Publishing.
21.
SchürmannH (2007) Konstruieren mit Faser-Kunststoff-Verbunden. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
22.
SnodgrassRE (1929) The thoracic mechanism of a grasshopper, and its antecedents. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections82(2): 1–111.
23.
SnodgrassRE (1935) Principles of Insect Morphology. New York: McGraw-Hill Publication in the Zoological Science.
24.
VincentJFVWegstUGK (2004) Design and mechanical properties of insect cuticle. Arthropod Structure & development33(3): 187–199.
WeidnerH (1982) Morphologie, Anatomie und Histologie: Handbuch der Zoologie, 4 (Arthropoda, Insecta). Berlin: Walter de Gruyter GmbH.
27.
WillisJH (2010) Structural cuticular proteins from arthropods: annotation, nomenclature, and sequence characteristics in the genomics era. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology40(3): 189–204.
