Thermal Activation of Shape Memory Polymers Through Vascular Means

Thermal activation of shape memory polymers requires a heating mechanism that will achieve a temperature range that exceeds a minimum triggering temperature but does not overheat the material. In laboratory practice, ovens are typically used to achieve a uniform temperature during testing. In practical applications, active heating schemes must be utilized that are robust enough to handle changing environmental conditions. In this work, we analyze the intricacies of vascular heating and cooling methodologies for shape memory polymers operating in an open environment. Our methodology is based on analytical modeling of the steady state surface temperature of shape memory polymers that incorporate vascular channels. With the material properties and environmental conditions, the model is used to predict appropriate channel geometry for triggering the shape memory polymer. Thermography is used to verify the model predictions for real systems of shape memory polymers.