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This dissertation investigates the fundamental behavior of multifunctional materials for energy conversion. Multifunctional materials exhibit two or more functional properties, such as electrical, thermal, magnetic etc. In this dissertation, the emphasis is on understanding the principles for energy conversion from one domain to another (e.g. thermal to electrical; or mechanical to electrical) by utilizing nanomaterials and nanostructured materials such as carbon nanotubes, shape memory alloy (SMA), and flexible piezoelectric materials. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known for their unique electrical and thermal properties. Development of solid-state suspended CNT sheets having extremely low heat capacity per unit area opens an opportunity for utilizing thermoacoustic phenomenon (electrical to thermal to acoustic energy conversion) that results in sound generation over a wide range of frequencies. Detailed theoretical modeling and experiments were conducted for understanding the acoustics generation from multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) sheets. The sound pressure level (SPL) of CNT-based thermoacoustic projector (TAPs) is proportional to the frequency and hence the performance reduces in low frequency (LF) region which could be used for noise cancellation, SONAR and oceanography applications. Extensive analytical modeling in conjunction with experiments were conducted involving structure-fluid-acoustic interaction to determine the operational physical behavior of TAPs. Numerical model combines all the controlling steps from power input to acoustic wave generation to the propagation in outer fluid media. Power input to the computational domain is used to determine the frequency dependent thermal diffusive length which governs the generation of TA wave. MWNT yarns/fibers/threads were also designed to harvest ocean wave energy (mechanical to electrical energy conversion). These yarn-based harvesters electrochemically convert tensile or torsional mechanical energy into electrical energy without requiring an external bias voltage. Harvesters were developed by spinning sheets of forest-drawn MWNTs into high-strength yarns. SMA wires exhibit two unique properties: thermally induced martensite to austenite phase transformation and super-elasticity (stress-induced martensitic transformation). These properties were implemented for developing the low-grade thermal energy harvesters (thermal to electrical energy conversion). More than half of the energy generated worldwide is lost as unused thermal energy because of the lack of efficient methodology for harnessing the low-grade heat. A systematic study is presented here that takes into account all the key steps in thermal to electrical conversion such as material optimization, thermal analysis and electrical conditioning to deliver the efficient harvester. Next using thin sheets of piezoelectric materials, strain energy harvesting from automobile tires is studied (strain to electrical conversion. Flexible organic piezoelectric material was utilized for transduction in the harvester for continuous power generation and simultaneous sensing of the variable strain experienced by tire under different driving conditions. Using sensors mounted on a real tire of a mobile test rig, measurements were conducted on different terrains with varying normal loads and speeds to quantify the sensitivity and self-powered sensing operation. / Doctor of Philosophy / This dissertation studies the potential of carbon nanotubes yarns and sheets, piezoelectric sheets and shape memory alloy wires for energy conversion applications. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are known for their unique electrical and thermal properties. Large surface area, solid state self-suspended carbon nanotube sheets having extremely low heat capacity per unit area were utilized for design of thermoacoustic projectors operating over a wide range of frequencies. Detailed numerical modeling and experiments were conducted for understanding the acoustics generation from MWNT sheets. Another potential application for MWNT yarns is in ocean wave energy harvesting, where these yarn based harvesters convert tensile mechanical energy into electrical energy. Harvesters were developed by spinning sheets of MWNTs into high-strength yarns. SMA exhibits unique phase change behavior on mechanical and thermal loading, which were utilized for converting low-grade thermal energy into electrical energy. At low temperature gradients, where there is lack of methodologies for converting thermal energy into electrical energy, SMA wire-based energy harvesters are shown to provide ultra-high power density. Extensive experimentation in conjunction with multi-physics modeling is conducted to provide understanding of energy losses occurring during the thermal to electrical conversion. Lastly, this dissertation investigates the mechanical to electrical conversion using organic piezoelectric materials. Self-powered strain sensing mechanism for autonomous vehicle will provide new capabilities in monitoring the dynamics and allow developing additional automated controls to assist the driver performance.

The strain energy absorption of shape memory alloy (SMA) bars and beams under tension and bending loading was studied. A theoretical model is presented that can give quantitative relations between the martensite fraction, the applied load, and the strain energy absorbed in the shape memory alloy (SMA). It was found analytically that the super-elastic SMA demonstrates a high strain energy absorption capability. The closed- form solution of the strain energy absorption capability of SMA bars is a simple and useful tool in the design of energy absorption applications of super-elastic SMA. The nonlinear equations for SMA hybrid composite plates, which can be used for low velocity impact or quasi-static contact loading, are derived. The governing equations include the transverse shear deformation to the first-order, large deformation of the plates, and SMA/epoxy lamina. The equations are derived in the general form with general boundary conditions and general stack of angle ply. The equations can be simplified to special forms in the specific applications. A theoretical study of the impact force and the strain energy absorption of an SMA/graphite/epoxy composite beam under a low-velocity impact has been performed. The contact deformation, the global bending deformation, the transverse shear deformation, and the martensitic phase transformation of the super-elastic SMA fibers are studied. The energy absorbed by the SMA hybrid composite is calculated for each task of the absorption mechanisms: contact deformation, global bending deformation, and The analysis methods and models developed in this dissertation are the first reported research in modeling SMA composite under low velocity impact and quasi-static loading. The models and methods developed here can be used for further study and design of SMA composites for low velocity impact or quasi-static loading in failure process. / Ph. D.

Surgical procedures conducted without proper guidance and dynamic feedback mechanism could lead to unintended consequences. In-vivo diagnostics and imaging (the Gastro-Intestinal tract) has shown to be inconvenient for the patients using traditional endoscopic instruments and often these conventional methods are limited in terms of their access to various organs (e.g. small intestines). Embedding sensors inside the living body is complex and further the communication with the implanted sensors is challenging using the current RF technology. Additionally, continuous replacement and/or batteries recharging for wireless sensors networks both in-vivo and ex-vivo adds towards the complexity. Advances in diagnostics and prognostics techniques require development at multiple levels through systems approach, guided by the futuristic intelligent decision making environment that reduces the human interference. The demands are not only at the component level, but also at the connectivity of the components such that secure, sustainable, self-reliant, and intelligent environment can be realized. This thesis provides important breakthroughs required to achieve the vision of intelligent healthcare environment. The research contributions of this thesis provide foundation for developing a new architecture for continuous medical diagnostic and monitoring. The chapters in this thesis cover four fundamental technologies covering the in-vivo imaging, ex-vivo imaging, energy for sensors, and acoustic communication. These technologies are: locomotion mechanism for wireless capsule endoscope (WCE), multifunctional image guided surgical (MIGS) platform, shape memory alloy (SMA) thermal energy harvester and thermo-acoustic sonar using carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets. First, two types of locomotion mechanisms were developed, the first one inspired by millipede legged type mechanism and the second one based on the traveling waves that were induced onto the walls of the WCEs through vibration. Both mechanisms utilize piezoelectric actuators and couple their dynamics and actuation capability in order to achieve propulsion. This controlled locomotion will provide WCE advantage in terms of conducting localized diagnostics. Next, in order to conduct ex-vivo surgical procedures using the OCT such as removing the unwanted tissue and tumors short distance beneath the skin, MIGS platform was developed. The MIGS platform is composed of three key elements: optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe, laser scalpel and high precision miniature scanning and positioning stage. The focus in this dissertation was on design and development of the programmable scanning and positioning stage. The combination of in-vivo tool such as WCE and ex-vivo tool such as MIGS will provide opportunity to conduct many non-invasive procedures which will save time and cost. In order to power the feedback sensors that assist in remote operation of surgical procedures and automation of the diagnostic algorithms, an energy harvester technology based on the SMA thermal engine was designed, fabricated, and characterized. A mechano-thermal model for the overall SMA engine was developed and experimentally validated. Finally, the thermo-acoustic sound generation mechanism using CNT sheets was investigated with the goal of developing techniques for acoustic localization of WCE and customized sound generation devices. CNT thermo-acoustic projectors were modeled and experimentally characterized to quantify the dynamics of the system under varying drive conditions. The overall vision of this thesis is to lay down the foundation for intelligent healthcare environment that provides the ability to conduct automated diagnostics, prognostics, and non-invasive surgical procedures. In accomplishing this vision, the thesis has addressed several key fundamental aspects of various technologies that will be required for implementing the automation algorithms. / Ph. D.

Aerospace structures have stringent pointing and shape control requirements during long-term exposure to a hostile environment with no scheduled maintenance. This makes them excellent candidates for a smart structures approach as current passive techniques prove insufficient. This study investigates the feasibility of providing autonomous dimensional control to aerospace structures by embedding shape memory alloy elements inside composite structures. Increasing volume fractions of nitinol wire were embedded in cross-ply graphite/ epoxy composite panels. The potential of this approach was evaluated by measuring the change in longitudinal strain with increasing temperature and volume fraction. Reduction of thermal expansion is demonstrated and related to embedded volume fraction. Classical lamination theory is used to formulate a two-dimensional model which included the adaptive properties of the embedded nitinol. The model was used to predict the increased modulus and reduction of thermal strain in the modified plates which was verified by the experimental data. / Master of Science

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New insight into the temperature dependent evolution of internal strain in the austenite phase during the martensitic phase transformation in NiTi shape memory alloys is provided via classical molecular dynamics simulations that employ well-established interatomic potentials for NiTi. It is shown, for the first time, that the developed strain tensor in the austenite phase is tetragonal in nature, with exponential temperature-dependence. Equally importantly, it is found that the developed internal strain (parallel to the habit plane) in the austenite varies linearly with the evolving martensite phase fraction. Interestingly, the Richard’s equation is found to describe the temperature dependence of the martensite phase fraction as well as the internal strain components parallel to the habit plane in the austenite phase. An analysis of the temperature dependent phonon dispersion of strained austenite revealed the competition between phonon softening of the TA2 branch and internal strain that leads to stabilization of the austenite phase in the two phase regime.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the feasibility of a laser layer manufacturing technique for realization of shape memory alloy (SMA) components with complex geometry. Pre-placed laser solid freeform fabrication (LSFF) was utilized to produce straight and curvaceous SMA parts from a mixture of 55.2 wt%Ni - 44.8 wt%Ti powder. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used; while laser pulse width and frequency were held constant at what are considered their optimal values (4 ms and 50 Hz, respectively), laser energy and scanning speeds were varied across samples to determine appropriate values for fabrication of high quality SMA parts . Different pre-placed powder thicknesses were deposited and then mechanically and physically studied. Optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, and XRD methods, as well as microhardness measurements, were used to examine the microstructural characteristics and hardness of the SMA samples. Also, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to determine the transformation temperatures of the fabricated parts. The results confirmed the formation of crack-free solid surfaces in which two types of microstructure exist: solid (non-prose) and dendrite arms. EDS chemical composition analysis confirmed the absence of any impurity or oxidise in the cross section of the samples as well as the presence of only nickel and titanium. XRD spectrum analysis indicated the presence of Ni-Ti intermetallic phases, which are almost Ni-Ti but contain a small amount of Ti2Ni. The XRD results also indicated the presence of austenite and martensite phases, which are exchanged during heating or mechanical deformation. The hardness of these samples varied from 250 to 450 HV0.3. Several tests were carried out to investigate the shape memory effect (SME). It was observed that the fabricated SMAs can recover from the bent condition very quickly (i.e., 1 to 8 seconds) depending on their thickness. In general, the fabricated parts were first bent out of their original shapes then heated, in various ways, above the transformation temperature. To theoretically assess the SME performance of the fabricated SMAs with the proposed geometry two models were developed. The first model was established based upon a lump approach in which the part was exposed to an electrical current. The second model, however, was established based upon a finite element method in which a specific domain at one end of the sample was exposed to a source of heat. It was found that the theoretical outputs from both models were in good agreement with the experimental results.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the feasibility of a laser layer manufacturing technique for realization of shape memory alloy (SMA) components with complex geometry. Pre-placed laser solid freeform fabrication (LSFF) was utilized to produce straight and curvaceous SMA parts from a mixture of 55.2 wt%Ni - 44.8 wt%Ti powder. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used; while laser pulse width and frequency were held constant at what are considered their optimal values (4 ms and 50 Hz, respectively), laser energy and scanning speeds were varied across samples to determine appropriate values for fabrication of high quality SMA parts . Different pre-placed powder thicknesses were deposited and then mechanically and physically studied. Optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, and XRD methods, as well as microhardness measurements, were used to examine the microstructural characteristics and hardness of the SMA samples. Also, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to determine the transformation temperatures of the fabricated parts. The results confirmed the formation of crack-free solid surfaces in which two types of microstructure exist: solid (non-prose) and dendrite arms. EDS chemical composition analysis confirmed the absence of any impurity or oxidise in the cross section of the samples as well as the presence of only nickel and titanium. XRD spectrum analysis indicated the presence of Ni-Ti intermetallic phases, which are almost Ni-Ti but contain a small amount of Ti2Ni. The XRD results also indicated the presence of austenite and martensite phases, which are exchanged during heating or mechanical deformation. The hardness of these samples varied from 250 to 450 HV0.3. Several tests were carried out to investigate the shape memory effect (SME). It was observed that the fabricated SMAs can recover from the bent condition very quickly (i.e., 1 to 8 seconds) depending on their thickness. In general, the fabricated parts were first bent out of their original shapes then heated, in various ways, above the transformation temperature. To theoretically assess the SME performance of the fabricated SMAs with the proposed geometry two models were developed. The first model was established based upon a lump approach in which the part was exposed to an electrical current. The second model, however, was established based upon a finite element method in which a specific domain at one end of the sample was exposed to a source of heat. It was found that the theoretical outputs from both models were in good agreement with the experimental results.

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) have been demonstrated to be effective actuator elements in a wide range of applications, such as robotics, medicine, aerospace and automotive. Enabled by the unique thermo-mechanical properties of SMAs, these actuators offer the advantages of light weight, high power-to-weight ratio and a simple actuation mechanism compared to traditional actuator types. At the same time, the widespread adoption of the SMA actuator remains elusive as its low power efficiency and complex hysteretic behaviour often render it an impractical means of actuation. These actuators also exhibit a slow response speed and their response is highly sensitive to changes in the external environment, namely ambient temperature and mechanical stress, thus complicating their control. Position, force or temperature sensors may be used to facilitate feedback control, but at the cost of increasing the overall size and complexity of the system. The difficulties caused by the hysteretic behaviour can be largely avoided when SMA wires are used as on-off actuators, making SMAs well suited for such applications. However, they may still be subject to a wide range of dynamic operating conditions that would impact their actuation time, and achieving a consistent actuation time is often highly desirable. This thesis presents the synthesis of a nitinol SMA actuator control system which uses electrical resistance feedback to enable a fast response speed and robustness to disturbances in the external environment. A study of the resistance behaviour of SMAs is discussed first. The design of an adaptive controller and the experimental evaluation of its performance are described in detail next. The objective of the SMA actuator control system is to achieve a consistent and fast actuation time throughout the range of operating ambient temperature and stress. The control system is implemented experimentally and shown to be quite successful.