Methods and apparatus are provided for locking and releasing ends of a support
strut coupled between a mounting platform and a load. In a preferred embodiment,
the strut comprises a damping section coupled between the ends and having a gap
therein when the strut is unlocked, a locking section coupled between the ends
for closing the gap by applying stress to a portion of the damper section through
a force transmitting member, and a releasing section coupled in parallel with part
of the force transmitting member, the releasing section including a Shape Memory
Alloy (SMA) and heater therefore. Heating the SMA relieves the stress and opens
the gap. Release from the locked condition occurs gradually and without fracture
or sudden shock and the heater can be actuated remotely. In a preferred embodiment,
a worm drive turnbuckle arrangement is used to apply force to lock the strut.
