Development shape memory polymer based deployable solar reflector by using 4-D printing technology

Abstract

Smart materials such as Shape Memory Polymers (SMP) are increasingly popular in today’s engineering research field as they provide alternative solutions to engineering structural applications. They can respond to specific external stimulus and remember the original shape. There are many types of stimulus methods to actuate the deformation of SMPs of which thermal- and electro-responsive components and structures are common. In this project, this smart material was used to develop the prototype of a deployable solar reflector. Heat was used as the main external stimulus energy to actuate the deformation. The prototype will be 3D printed by a Polyjet machine. The Shape Memory Polymer material selected was Fullcure 720 and will be used throughout the whole project. Prior to the design of the prototype, studies on the Shape Memory Polymer material were made to have a better understanding of the smart material. Characterization tests on the material were thus done. With better knowledge of material and design considerations, the prototype’s design was finalised and then 3D-printed out. The 3D-printed prototype was then thermo-programmed into its compact shape. Lastly, in the final stage of the project, deployment tests based on various settings were carried out.