Actuation of MAV Control Surface using Conducting Shape-Memory Polymer Actuator

The current MAVs used servomotors as actuators for the control surfaces, such as elevators and rudders. In this paper, the application possibility of conducting shape memory polymer to smart actuator has been assessed. Our final goal will be to replace the servomotor with a newly developed conducting shape memory polymer actuator. As the first step, a conducting shape memory polymer with high transition temperature and high conductivity was manufactured and its properties were measured. Second, conceptual designs of special actuating systems for control surface of micro aerial vehicle are presented. The conducting shape memory polymer was composed of shape memory polyurethane block copolymer and carbon nanotube or carbon black. Its basic thermo-mechanical and conducting properties are discussed for application as electro-active shape memory polymer actuator.