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National STEM Learning Centre and Network
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Make It Move: Muscle Wire Actuator
In this design challenge from the National STEM Learning Centre and Network, students construct a lever that is moved by muscle wire. This is a conductor that contracts when an electric current is passed through it. The wire movement controls a lever.
Students are asked to consider:
* What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of actuation?
* Does reversing the current through the wire make the wire return to its original length; explain?
* How quickly does the system respond to input changes?
* What could this type of actuator be used for?
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Muscle wire actuator (teachers' notes) 237.81 KB -
Muscle wire actuator (activity sheet) 219.75 KB
Download all files as a .zip414.78 KB
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