SHAPE-MEMORY CERAMIC ACTUATION OF ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES

Field-induced phase transitions in electroceramics with the advantages of targe strain and shape memory are investigated as a mechanism for structural actuation. Several lanthanum and niobium doped lead zircona te stannate titanate compositions were manufactured and studied The de pendence of the material response on various factors relevant to struc tural actuation has been examined. Factors such as induced stress, act uation frequency, and temperature play an important role in the respon se of the material. A prototype adaptive structure using shape memory ceramic active materials has been constructed, tested, and used to val idate model predictions.