Shape control of SMA embedded GFRP beam using continuous sliding mode controller

Abstract

This study is directed towards realising shape control of composite structures with embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. It has relevance by effecting large shape changes of wing skins in order to improve flow characteristics. In this work, a SMA wire actuators embedded glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) beam is fabricated and shape control of the beam with an adaptive and robust controller namely gain scheduled proportional integral (GSPI) and continuous sliding mode controller (SMC) are carried out. Performances of these two controllers are reported. From the experimental investigation it is found that the SMC and GSPI controllers are able to track the change in set point and it is also observed that improved accuracy and faster settling time are obtained with sliding mode controller.