Electromechanical R&D | Thermal Management | Rapid Prototyping
THE CHALLENGE
Evaluate whether ionic wind could increase the cycling rate of shape-memory-alloy actuators without conventional fans or bulky cooling hardware.
Evaluate whether ionic wind could increase the cycling rate of shape-memory-alloy actuators without conventional fans or bulky cooling hardware.
MY CONTRIBUTION
I designed and assembled benchtop mechanisms, electrodes, high-voltage interfaces, sensing, and control electronics used to exercise and cool SMA elements. I iterated the mechanical layout and test method to compare actuator behavior and explore integration inside a constrained automotive application environment.
I designed and assembled benchtop mechanisms, electrodes, high-voltage interfaces, sensing, and control electronics used to exercise and cool SMA elements. I iterated the mechanical layout and test method to compare actuator behavior and explore integration inside a constrained automotive application environment.
OUTCOME
The prototypes established an experimental platform for measuring the concept, revealed integration limits, and generated practical design knowledge for compact solid-state actuation and cooling.
The prototypes established an experimental platform for measuring the concept, revealed integration limits, and generated practical design knowledge for compact solid-state actuation and cooling.
SELECTED EVIDENCE
Photographs of the first prototype, assembled mechanism, SMA element and electrode geometry, and complete benchtop control setup.
Photographs of the first prototype, assembled mechanism, SMA element and electrode geometry, and complete benchtop control setup.
SKILLS
Electromechanical design · Thermal management · Shape-memory alloys · High-voltage hardware · Sensors · Controls · Rapid prototyping · Experimental design · Test engineering · Automotive R&D
Electromechanical design · Thermal management · Shape-memory alloys · High-voltage hardware · Sensors · Controls · Rapid prototyping · Experimental design · Test engineering · Automotive R&D
