%0 Journal Article %A Mogeeb A. Ahmed and Mona F. Taher and Sayed M. Metwalli %D 2012 %J International Journal of Biomedical and Biological Engineering %B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology %I Open Science Index 61, 2012 %T Shape Memory alloy Actuator System Optimization for New Hand Prostheses %U https://publications.waset.org/pdf/8571 %V 61 %X Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators have found a wide range of applications due to their unique properties such as high force, small size, lightweight and silent operation. This paper presents the development of compact (SMA) actuator and cooling system in one unit. This actuator is developed for multi-fingered hand. It consists of nickel-titanium (Nitinol) SMA wires in compact forming. The new arrangement insulates SMA wires from the human body by housing it in a heat sink and uses a thermoelectric device for rejecting heat to improve the actuator performance. The study uses optimization methods for selecting the SMA wires geometrical parameters and the material of a heat sink. The experimental work implements the actuator prototype and measures its response. %P 18 - 23