Angular control of differential shape-memory alloy spring actuator for underactuated dynamic system

This article dwells on two technical aspects, the design and implementation of an upgraded version of the differential shape-memory alloy–based revolute actuator/rotary actuating mechanism for stabilization and position control of a two-degree-of-freedom centrally hinged ball on beam system. The actuator is configured with differential and inclined placement of shape-memory alloy springs to provide bidirectional angular shift. The shape-memory alloy spring actuator occupies a smaller space and provides more extensive reformation with justifiable actuation force than an equally able shape-memory alloy wire. The cross or diagonal architecture of shape-memory alloy springs provides force amplification and reduces the actuator’s control effort. The shape-memory alloy spring–embodied actuator’s function is exemplified by the highly dynamic underactuated custom-designed ball balancing system. The ball position control is experimentally demonstrated by cascade control using the control laws that have been unattempted for shape-memory alloy actuated systems; the ball is positioned with linear (integer-order and fractional-order) proportional–integral–derivative controllers optimized with genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization at the outer/primary loop. Angular control of the shape-memory alloy actuated beam is obtained with nonlinear (integer-order and fractional-order sliding mode control) control algorithms in the inner/secondary loop.