Research
Focus of Research Consortium
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–Pre-competitive technology
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–Smart components and sub-systems
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–New smart material-based actuators and sensors
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–New devices for vehicle development work
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–Superior dynamic response + quiet & smooth operations
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–Improved performance
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–Enhanced safety
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–Higher efficiency, etc.
The use of active material based composites, magnetostrictive materials, ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, new elastomeric elements, and magneto-rheological (MR) fluid based devices will be the key to achieving force and motion control performance goals including superior dynamic behavior.
Ohio State University Research Thrusts
Thrust A: Interfacial Mechanisms
Advanced electro-hydrostatic actuators, adaptive powertrain mounts, interfacial force sensors, torque sensing and actuation, etc.
Thrust B: Adaptive NVH
Active micro and nano-composites, gear noise control, vibration control of steering systems, acoustic micro-sensors, panels with tunable stiffness, etc.
Thrust C: Safety
Distributed force sensors, air bag sensor, adaptive seat belt systems, advanced energy absorbing foams, etc.
Thrust D: Energy
Energy harvesting devices, fuel management, powertrain breathing systems, friction control, efficiency enhancement, etc.
Texas A&M University Research Thrusts
Thrust 1: Alloy Design and Processing
The properties of SMAs strongly depend on the amout of trace alloying and thermomechanical processing. As a result, the reported properties of SMA alloys vary widely as a result of the different fabrication and processing methods used. It is important to produce reliable material with identical behavior for certification of these alloys in industrial applications.
Thrust 2: Active Material Characterization and Model Development
Use of SMAs in engine core regions and oil well applications, for example, requires high transformation temperatures (100 - 500 C). High temperatures can lead to viscoplastic deformation due to dislocation climb and glide, and other diffusion mechanisms that could destroy the shape memory characteristics.
Thrust 3: Engineering Application Design and Performance Evaluation
There is no consistent characterization methodology for SMAs and this makes it difficult to cross reference or reliably adopt results from other groups. This is due to the sensitivity of the SMA behavior to the test methodology, such as stress concentrations at the grips, different characterization techniques (strain measurement techniques, heating cooling methodology), etc.
