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Shape-Memory Polymer Actuator (2D)

Interactive 2D simulator of a shape-memory polymer cantilever actuator: program a temporary bent shape below the glass transition, then reheat it and watch entropic-elasticity recovery snap it back toward its permanent shape, with live modulus-vs-temperature and recovery-vs-temperature curves confirming the shared glass-transition midpoint.

Materials Science2DModerate60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 3D version

Details

CategoryMaterials Science

RenderingCanvas 2D

DifficultyModerate

Target FPS60

ControlsPick a material preset to set the glass-transition temperature and transition width, drag sliders for chamber temperature, heating rate and programmed bend angle, then use the Program and Reset buttons to fix or clear the temporary shape. Live modulus-vs-temperature and recovery-vs-temperature curves track the current temperature.

shape-memory polymerglass transitionactuatorsoft roboticsmaterials science

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This 2D canvas simulator models a cantilevered shape-memory polymer (SMP) strip that curls into a programmed temporary shape and recovers toward its permanent, straight shape once reheated past the glass transition T_g. The strip's live curvature is computed as the very same sigmoid that governs the storage modulus, so cooling under strain (programming) locks the bend in below T_g, and heating past T_g pulls it back toward straight — with live modulus-vs-temperature and recovery-vs-temperature curves plotted alongside the strip to make the shared transition midpoint visible in real time. Pick a material to change T_g and transition sharpness, set a programmed bend angle, then dial up the chamber temperature and watch the actuator uncurl.

⚙ Under the hood

Program a shape-memory polymer cantilever into a temporary bent shape below its glass transition, then reheat it and watch entropic-elasticity recovery snap it back toward its permanent shape.

shape-memory polymerglass transitionactuatorsoft roboticsmaterials science

2D · HTML5 Canvas 2D · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install