Fabrication method for composite structure adapted for controlled structural deformation

A method of fabricating a composite structure adapted for controlled structural deformation, the method comprising the steps of:

• forming a shape memory alloy component, wherein said forming step comprises the step of adhering a shape memory alloy tendon between a pair of electrically insulating face sheets, and wherein the shape memory alloy tendon has a relaxed shape at temperatures below a predetermined transition temperature and a contracted shape at temperatures above the predetermined transition temperature;
• embedding the shape memory alloy component within a plurality of composite material layers such that the shape memory alloy tendon is electrically isolated from the surrounding composite material layers;
• and
• establishing electrical communication with the shape memory alloy tendon of the embedded shape memory alloy component such that subsequent actuation of the shape memory alloy tendon by raising the temperature of the shape memory alloy tendon above the predetermined transition temperature creates a controlled structural deformation of both the embedded shape memory alloy component and the surrounding composite material layers.