Enhancing seat comfort and performance: Designing a Morphing Material-Based Bolster System for JLR

This study investigates the integration of shape memory materials into bolster systems to enhance automotive seating design efficiency. By bridging the gap between morphing materials and seat ergonomics, it proposes a shape memory-based bolster adjustability system. Validation is achieved through the development of a working prototype, offering...

Mimosa: Modular Self-folding Hinges Kit for Creating Shape-changing Objects

We developed a shape-changing constructive kit, named Mimosa1. A key component of the toolkit is the modular hinges, each of which is equipped with two antagonistic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. One wire deforms the hinge to approach its predetermined angle at high temperature, and another wire drives the hinge back when it cools down....

SereniSleeve - Designing Shape Memory Based Wearables for Anxiety Modulation

Anxiety is a natural “fight-or-flight” response that everybody experiences to perceived stress or threat. Even though it is a natural response, some individuals struggle with managing their anxiety levels in a healthy manner. Prolonged exposure to high anxiety states can lead to clinical anxiety disorders that negatively impact the quality of...

Integrating shape memory materials in haptic technology as an aid for the visually impaired

There are approximately 285 million people worldwide living with a visual impairment and the rate of acquired blindness is expected to continue increasing. Assistive technology for them is progressively being developed in order to enable independent living. For the blind and visually impaired, the tactile sense is the primary source of...

Development of a Shape Memory Alloy Spring Network for Shape Control: for shape-morphing products

The interest in shape-shifting materials has increased over the past years. A part of this field concerns the shape-shifting of sheets from flat configuration into a double curved configuration, requiring nonuniform strain among the sheet. This functionality can be used for various purposes, in different application fields. For example, shape...

A Conceptual Development of a Shape Memory Alloy Actuated Variable Camber Morphing Wing

This study describes the development of a morphing wing concept for a Portuguese Air Force Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), the UAS-30. Nowadays, optimized fuel efficiency is a primary requirement in the aerospace industry, and it can be significantly improved by designing adaptive wings which can change their shape in flight to achieve better...

The Smart Rotor Concept on Wind Turbines - Actuators and Structures

Wind turbines suffer heavily from fatigue loads but current load control concepts are not effective in mitigating them. This thesis contributes to the development of a novel concept in which the air flow over the blade is controlled through spanwise distributed devices. The work is aimed at implementing adaptive materials, such as shape memory...