Progress of shape memory polymers and their composites in aerospace applications

Abstract

Shape memory polymers and their composites are kind of smart materials, which can transfer from the temporarily fixed configuration to the original configuration under external stimuli. Their inherent advantages are low density, low cost, large recoverable deformation ability and controllable stimulus method, which make them an alternative for aerospace applications (deployable structures, release devices, wrinkled/slack control component, etc). Most of these applications are in development stage, some have completed the ground functional verification experiments, a rare part has been carried out the spaceflight experiments. This review focuses on their materials and structures in aerospace field, briefly introduces the development history and general mechanism of shape memory polymers and their composites, replenishes the space radiation resistance abilities of these materials under the ground-simulated space radiation experiments, tracks those applications who have already completed the spaceflight experiments, then exhibits some novel applications which have great potential and could give us inspirations for new aerospace application development, finally the prospects for materials and structures are discussed in the future outlook.

Temperature dependence of elastic constants in unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced shape memory polymer composites

“…The modulus of a SMP tends to differ by two orders of magnitude at temperatures below and above the g T [Li et al, 2019a]. At a low temperature L T (the room temperature in our case), the modulus of the SMP has a magnitude of 10 0 GPa [Li et al, 2019a].…”

“…Most of the SMPCs in aerospace applications are continuous fiber reinforced composites, normally carbon fiber or fabric, and this is due to their good chemical and physico-mechanical properties [Barnes and Cogswell, 1989;Dao et al, 2018;Herath et al, 2018;Li et al, 2016;Li et al, 2019b]. Any spacecraft in orbit must withstand large temperature differences because the spacecraft needs to move in and out of the earth's shadow [Barnes and Cogswell, 1989;Li et al, 2019a]. The temperature variation affects the mechanical behavior of SMPCs due to the temperature-dependent mechanical properties of the matrix [Feng and Guo, 2016;Gibson et al, 2006;Guo et al, 2013;Haque et al, 1991;Mahieux and Reifsnider, 2001;Odegard and Kumosa, 2000;Yoon and Kim, 2000].…”

“…The temperature variation affects the mechanical behavior of SMPCs due to the temperature-dependent mechanical properties of the matrix [Feng and Guo, 2016;Gibson et al, 2006;Guo et al, 2013;Haque et al, 1991;Mahieux and Reifsnider, 2001;Odegard and Kumosa, 2000;Yoon and Kim, 2000]. In particular, the modulus of SMPCs could vary at least one order of magnitude at low and high temperatures, if the temperature change covers the glass transition range of the matrix [Leng et al, 2011;Li et al, 2019a;Li et al, 2019b].…”

A Review of Shape Memory Polymers and Composites: Mechanisms, Materials, and Applications

“…SMPCs are lightweight, low‐cost, and able to produce active deformation, which are essential characteristics for use in aerospace engineering, especially in deployable structures. [ 13,139 ] Typical examples include SMPCs hinges, gravity gradient booms, deployable panels, [ 140,141 ] ( Figure a) and reflector antennas. Unlike the traditional metallic hinges [ 142 ] that take up a lot of space and weight, SMPCs hinge reinforced with carbon fiber plain‐weave fabrics have been developed [ 143,144 ] (Figure 12b).…”

A Mechanical Analysis of Chemically Stimulated Linear Shape Memory Polymer Actuation

“…SMPs receive special attention in the biomedical field [1,2,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. A few articles discussed potential applications in aerospace technology [15,16]. Sensor applications have also been considered [17].…”