Influence of thickness ratio and integrated weft yarn column numbers in shape memory alloys on the deformation behavior of adaptive fiber-reinforced plastics

The integration of functional material, such as actuator material, is an essential aspect for the multi-functionality and resource efficiency of fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs). By integrating a textile-based actuator into reinforcing fabrics during the production process, single axis and intrinsic adaptive FRPs can be produced, and these can change their form according to requirements. However, this paper presents the effect of thickness ratio and integrated weft yarn column number in shape memory alloys on the deformation behavior of adaptive FRPs. In order to achieve this aim, shape memory alloys were converted into hybrid yarn in the form of a core-sheath structure before being textile-technologically integrated into the reinforcing fabrics using weaving technology. The thickness variation was achieved by the warp as well as weft yarn density and the type of interlacement. These preforms were infused by a thermosetting resin system . The adaptive FRPs were tested electro-mechanically with respect to their maximum deformation. Results reveal that the maximum deformation of adaptive FRPs is enhanced by increasing the thickness ratio and the integrated weft yarn column number in shape memory alloys.