Shape Memory Alloys in the design of morphing stator vanes

The thesis can be summarised as an exercise in linking the theoretical knowledge of Nickel Titanium Shape Memory Alloys to a practical space. Background work includes establishing a thorough understanding of the behaviour of Shape Memory Alloys, locating the opportunities for actuation available in gas turbine engines, and evaluating past studies that utilise SMA technologies in aerospace applications. Using this knowledge base, an experimental methodology is devised, focused on assessing criteria specifically related to SMA actuation demands. FEM techniques are employed, using data from the experimental study, to develop and analyse SMA actuator concepts. The culmination of these various streams of work effects the conceptualization of a novel solid-state flexural actuator for the gas turbine engine variable stator vane assembly.