Shape-Memory Polymer Actuator

This simulator models a cantilevered shape-memory polymer (SMP) strip as a chain of segments that curl into a programmed temporary shape and then recover toward their permanent, straight shape once reheated past the glass transition. Programming cools the network under strain to vitrify and lock the switching segments; heating restores their mobility so entropic elasticity in the net-points drives recovery, governed by a temperature-gated first-order rate law. Pick a material to change the glass-transition temperature and transition sharpness, set a programmed bend angle, then dial up the chamber temperature and watch the recovery ratio and storage modulus track the actuator's real-time uncurling.