Shape Memory Alloy Strain Sensor Integrated Into Structural 3D Object During Additive Manufacturing

Authors:

Tomás Resendes (1), Patrícia Rodrigues (1), Hélder Cordeiro (2), Francisco Cruz (1), Teresa Vieira (1)

1- Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes (CEMMPRE), University of Coimbra, Portugal

2- Moldes RP, Indústria de Moldes SA, Marinha Grande

Abstract:

The additive manufacturing (AM) process lets freedom to explore new ways to make several complex geometries of 3D objects. However, these can be critical to the mechanical behavior during the structural application. Maintaining the stress field inside the component within the safe values previously evaluated from the design is essential to prevent its premature failure. This study aims to promote a precise measurement of the deformation through a strain sensor integrated into the 3D object close to critical zones. The NiTi shape memory alloy could promote high-precision measurements of sensors. The superelasticity of this alloy enables a linear relationship between the deformation and the electrical resistivity. Therefore, this solution allows taking advantage of superelasticity to evaluate the deformation close to the critical zones of 3D objects with high precision during their lifetime. The present study highlights the role of inside strain sensors embedded during AM and compares them with conventional measurements.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59499/EP235764202