SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS

Presented by: Guided By:

Mohammad Adil Abdul Nazar Prof. Pradeep A
S7 ME Mechanical Department
LWYD21ME063 Government Engineering College, Wayanad
Government Engineering College,
Wayanad

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 CONTENTS
• Introduction
• History of Shape Memory Alloys
• Types of Shape Memory Alloys
• Phase transformation in SMAs
• Characteristics of Shape Memory Alloys
• Advantages of SMA
• Limitations of SMA
• Applications of SMAs
• Conclusion
• References

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 Introduction
• What are Shape Memory Alloys?

• SMAs are a type of smart materials.

• Shape Memory Alloys are materials that “remember” their original shape.
• If deformed, they recover their original shape upon heating.
• They can be formed into various shapes like bars, wires, plates and rings thus serving various
functions.

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 History of Shape Memory
Alloys
1932: The shape memory effect
was first observed in gold-
cadmium (AuCd) by Swedish
physicist Arne Olander.
1962: The discovery of Nickel-
Titanium (NiTi), also known as
Nitinol, by researchers at the
U.S. Naval Ordnance
Laboratory (NOL) led to a 1970s-1980s: SMAs found applications
major breakthrough. in aerospace, robotics, and medical
1963: William J. Buehler and devices, including eyeglass frames and
Frederick Wang demonstrated vascular stents.
the shape memory effect in 1990s and beyond: SMAs gained
Nitinol, triggering widespread popularity in space missions and
interest. consumer products, becoming a widely
. used smart material
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 Types of Shape Memory Alloys
• Nickel-Titanium (NiTi): Most widely used SMA with excellent shape
memory and elastic properties.
• Copper-based SMAs: Such as CuZnAl and CuAlNi, which are effective
but less flexible than NiTi.
• Other Alloys: Include Fe-based SMAs, though these have limited
applications due to their performance.

Note : NiTi are used more than 90% of new SMA applications. Although
they are more expensive to melt and produce than copper-based alloys,
but they are preferred for their corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and
higher electrical resisting.

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 Phase transformation in SMAs

How SMA’s work:

SMAs undergo a solid-state phase

transformation, which means their
internal molecular structure changes
while remaining solid. This phase
transition is what allows SMAs to
remember and recover their original
shape.

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The Shape Memory Alloys have two stable Phases :
The high temperature phase called Austenite ( After English metallurgist William
Chandler Austen)
The low temperature phase called Martensite ( After German metallographer Adolf
Martens)

The martensite phase can be of two forms –

o Twinned Martensite
o Detwinned martensite

The shape change involves a solid state phase change involving a molecular
rearrangement between martensite and austenite.
 Upon cooling in the absence of applied load, the material transforms from austenite
to twinned martensite ( No observable macroscopic change occurs)
 If a mechanical load is applied to the material in twinned martensite phase ( at low
temperature), it is possible to detwin the martensite.
 Upon releasing the load, the material remains deformed.
 A subsequent heating of the material to a temperature above the austenite finish
temperature (Af) will result in a reverse phase transformation ( martensite to
austenite) and will lead to a complete shape recovery.
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 Characteristics of Shape Memory
Alloys
It exhibits two main characteristics:
1. Shape Memory Effect
2. Super-elasticity (Pseudo-elasticity)

Shape Memory Effect :

The shape memory effect allows SMAs to "remember" and return to their original shape
when heated.
There are two types of shape memory effect behavior :
A. One-way shape memory
B. Two–way shape memory

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 Two-way shape memory : The
deformed shape is remembered
One-way shape memory :
during cooling, in addition to the
Transformation to the desired shape
original shape being remembered
occurs only upon heating. i.e.,
during heating. i.e., memory is with
memory is with the austenite phase.
both austenite and martensitic
phases.

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 • Super-elasticity (Pseudo-elasticity) :
Pseudo-elasticity occurs when SMAs are deformed at a temperature where
they remain in the Austenite phase. The material will stretch under stress and
revert to its original shape once the stress is removed.

Applications: Eyeglass frames, medical tools, and cellphone antennas

leverage this property to provide flexibility and durability.

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 Advantages of SMAs
• 1. Shape Memory Effect:
• SMAs can "remember" their original shape and revert back to it after deformation when subjected to
specific temperature changes. This property makes them extremely useful in applications that require
materials to adapt and then return to a predetermined form, such as stents or actuators.
• 2. Pseudo-Elasticity:
• SMAs can endure significant deformation and return to their original shape without needing heat. This
elasticity, without the need for temperature change, makes SMAs ideal for products like eyeglass
frames and medical tools that require durability and flexibility.
• 3. Biocompatibility:
• Particularly for NiTi alloys, SMAs are biocompatible, meaning they can be used inside the human
body without causing adverse reactions. This property is essential in biomedical applications like
vascular stents and surgical tools.
• 4. Compact and Lightweight:
• SMA systems are often smaller and lighter than traditional mechanical systems, especially in
aerospace applications where weight reduction is critical. For instance, replacing hydraulic systems in
aircraft with SMA-based actuators saves space and weight.
• 5. Long-term Reliability:
• SMAs can perform well over extended periods, especially in situations where traditional mechanical
systems would experience wear and tear. This is important in aerospace and medical fields, where
reliability is key.

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 Limitations of SMAs
• 1. High Cost:
• One of the main drawbacks of SMAs, especially Nickel-Titanium (NiTi), is their high production
cost. The materials themselves are expensive, and the process to program and manufacture SMAs
into specific forms adds to the overall cost.
• 2. Limited Strain Recovery:
• SMAs can only recover from a limited amount of strain (usually up to 8%) before permanent
deformation occurs. This limitation restricts their use in applications where large deformations are
necessary.
• 3. Temperature Sensitivity:
• SMAs are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Small deviations in temperature can lead to
unwanted phase transitions, causing the material to either revert to its original shape prematurely or
fail to perform its intended function.
• 4. Fatigue and Degradation:
• After many cycles of deformation and recovery, SMAs can suffer from fatigue, leading to reduced
effectiveness. Over time, the material may degrade, making it less reliable for long-term applications
like structural or medical devices.
• 5. Complex Manufacturing Process:
• The programming and shaping of SMAs require precise heat treatments and careful control of the
cooling and heating cycles. This complexity can lead to difficulties in mass production and
scalability for widespread industrial use.

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 Applications of SMAs
• Aircraft Maneuverability: The
maneuverability of the aircrafts depends on
the movements of the flaps. The flap
movement is controlled by a complex
hydraulic system. This complex system can
be replaced by using Shape memory Alloys
which requires only an electric wire to heat
up.

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• Automotive : The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette uses a lightweight heat-activated shape
memory alloy wire in place of a heavier motorized part to open a vent that allows
the trunk lid to close more easily.

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 • Optometry : Eyeglass frames made from titanium-containing SMAs are
marketed under the trademarks Flexon and TITANflex. These frames are
usually made out of shape-memory alloys that have their transition
temperature set below the expected room temperature. This allows the
frames to undergo large deformation under stress, yet regain their intended
shape once the metal is unloaded again.

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 Conclusion
• Summary:
Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) have unique properties—
shape memory effect and pseudo-elasticity—allowing them
to return to their original shape after deformation. These
properties make SMAs highly valuable across industries,
including medicine, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

• Future Outlook:
As research progresses, SMAs will find broader applications,
especially in smart materials, robotics, and energy
generation. Continued advancements in durability and cost-
efficiency will further expand their use, making SMAs a
crucial material for future innovations.

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 References
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape-memory_alloy
• Shape Memory Alloy, BTP Report by Saurabh Maghade and Sahil
Agarwal.
• http://www.stanford.edu/~richlin1/sma/sma.html
• Hodgson DE, Wu MH, Biermann RJ. (1990) Shape memory alloys. ASM
Handbook: ASM International. pp. 897-902
• Wu, S; Wayman, C (1987). "Martensitic transformations and the shape-
memory effect in Ti50Ni10Au40 and Ti50Au50 alloys". Metallography 20
(3): 359.
• Hornbogen, Erhard. "Shape memory alloys." Advanced Structural and
Functional Materials: Proceedings of an International Seminar Organized
by Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Luft-und Raumfahrt (DLR), Köln, June
1991. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 1991.
• ‘Shape Memory Alloys’- YouTube video by Skill - Lync.
• Chevrolet Corvette Stingray features lightweight 'smart material‘ –
YouTube video by Motor1.

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