ABSTRACT
The chapter describes the assessment studies of a flexible, piezoelectric Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) actuator, a potential sensor for shape-recovery control of a CHEM structure. The major objectives of investigation were: assess the performance and reliability of the MFC actuator before and after the CHEM thermomechanical processing, examine a recoverability of original shape after each processing cycle, assess integrity of the CHEM test structure and correct any potential shape-recovery imperfections. The results of this investigation were encouraging. The MFC actuator integrated with the CHEM test structure performed well before and after processing cycles. Precision strain gauges were sensing very small flat-shape imperfections by detecting some residue compressive µstrain. The MFC actuator was able to reduce this small imperfection caused by thermomechanical cycles.
