A finite element framework for a shape memory alloy actuated finger

This article presents on finite element modeling of an artificial finger driven by shape memory alloy wires. These alloys appear as a promising transduction technology, due to their inherently high energy density which makes them a good choice for compact, lightweight, and silent actuator systems with many applications in the robotic field, ranging from industrial to biomedical ones. However, the complex nonlinear and hysteretic behavior of the material makes it difficult to accurately model and design shape memory alloy–actuated systems. The problem is even more challenging when shape memory alloys are used as actuators in articulated structures, adding complex kinematics and contact situations to the picture. In this article, a finite element model is developed to describe the behavior of a finger prototype, in which a bundle of shape memory alloy wires works against an extension spring. The commercially available software COMSOL is used for implementing the coupling and contact issues between the finger structure and the shape memory alloy wires. To describe the shape memory alloy material behavior, a COMSOL implementation of the Müller–Achenbach–Seelecke model is presented. By means of different experiments, it is demonstrated how the model predicts the prototype behavior in relation to different power stimuli and actuator geometries.