Session
2026 Session 4
Location
Orem, UT
Start Date
5-4-2026 11:10 AM
Description
CubeSats increasingly require dynamic thermal management architectures to handle high power densities and variable orbital environments. Passively deployed radiators offer a reliable solution, but the physical hinge connecting the external panel to the spacecraft introduces significant thermal resistance. This research proposes a structurally integrated Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) heat pipe designed to combine passive mechanical actuation with highly efficient thermal transport. A stainless-steel prototype validated the internal fluid transport geometry, demonstrating an effective thermal resistance of 3 K/W under a maximum 22.5 W heat load without experiencing dry out. Parallel mechanical testing confirmed the viability of inducing the Two-Way Shape Memory Effect (TWSME) within a matching hollow nickel titanium copper (NiTiCu) tube. Following a 20 cycle martensite deformation training method in bending, the tube actuator yielded a reversible 15° recovery angle. While the thermal performance shows promise for the hinge resistance bottleneck, future optimization of TWSME training parameters and structural configurations is necessary to achieve the full angular displacement required for CubeSat radiator deployment.
Development of a Shape Memory Alloy Heat Pipe Bending Actuator
Orem, UT
CubeSats increasingly require dynamic thermal management architectures to handle high power densities and variable orbital environments. Passively deployed radiators offer a reliable solution, but the physical hinge connecting the external panel to the spacecraft introduces significant thermal resistance. This research proposes a structurally integrated Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) heat pipe designed to combine passive mechanical actuation with highly efficient thermal transport. A stainless-steel prototype validated the internal fluid transport geometry, demonstrating an effective thermal resistance of 3 K/W under a maximum 22.5 W heat load without experiencing dry out. Parallel mechanical testing confirmed the viability of inducing the Two-Way Shape Memory Effect (TWSME) within a matching hollow nickel titanium copper (NiTiCu) tube. Following a 20 cycle martensite deformation training method in bending, the tube actuator yielded a reversible 15° recovery angle. While the thermal performance shows promise for the hinge resistance bottleneck, future optimization of TWSME training parameters and structural configurations is necessary to achieve the full angular displacement required for CubeSat radiator deployment.