Shape Memory Alloy

Shape Memory Alloy
SMA
Definition of a Shape Memory Alloy
Shape Memory Alloys (SMA’s) are a class

of metal alloys that can recover apparent
permanent strains when they are heated
above a certain temperature.
http://smart.tamu.edu/overview/smaintro/simple/definition.html
Phases of SMA
• SMAs have two stable phases - the high-temperature
phase, called austenite and the low-temperature phase,
called martensite.
• the martensite can be in one of two forms: twinned and
detwinned, as shown in Figure 1.
• A phase transformation which occurs between these two
phases upon heating/cooling is the basis for the unique
properties of the SMAs.
Phases of SMA
Processing
• Upon cooling in the absence of applied

load the material transforms from austenite
into twinned martensite. (no observable
macroscopic shape change occurs)
• Upon heating the material in the
martensitic phase, a reverse phase
transformation takes place and as a result
the material transforms to austenite.
Superelasticity
• If mechanical load is applied to the material in

the state of twinned martensite (at low
temperature) it is possible to detwin the
martensite.
• Upon releasing of the load, the material remains
deformed. A subsequent heating of the material
to a temperature above the austenite finish
temperature (A0f*) will result in reverse phase
transformation (martensite to austenite) and will
lead to complete shape recovery.
• This process results in manifestation of the
Shape Memory Effect (SME).
•It is also possible to
induce a martensitic
transformation which
would lead directly to
detwinned martensite.
•If load is applied in the
austenitic phase and the
material is cooled, the
phase transformation will
result in detwinned
martensite. --Very large
strains (5-8%) will be
observed. --
Shape Recovery
• Reheating the material will result in
complete shape recovery.
• The transformation temperatures in this
case depend strongly on the magnitude
of the applied load.
– Higher applied load values will lead to
higher transformation temperatures.
– There is usually a linear relationship
between the applied load and the
transformation temperatures
Superelasticity of Nitinol
The Superelasticity
of NiTinol appears
to be much more
physiologic
compared to
stainless steel, for
example.
(http://www.memory-metalle.de/html/01_start/index_outer_frame.htm)
Investigation of Nitinol
Shape Memory
Alloy–Nitinol
• What is it?
One type of shape memory alloy is Nitinol, which is short for
Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory and which
acknowledges the site of its discovery in 1965
• Where does it get its name?
Nitinol is an alloy of about 56 % Nickel and 44 % Titanium.
(Hence the name: Ni–Ti–Naval Ordinance Laboratory)
• What does it do?
Nitinol “remembers” its original shape and springs back up
to temperatures up to 500 degrees C. Can be strained 8 to
10 times more than spring steel without permanent
deformation. Won’t kink. Coils easily.
How Does Nitinol Work?
• Nitinol is made of Nickel and Titanium
• Most solids have one crystal structure, but Nitinol
has two
• The crystal structure is different at cold and hot
temperatures
• At cold temps it is soft and easy to bend but at hot
temps it is stiff and springy.
Why Is Nitinol So Versatile?
• It has similar
properties to human
hair and human
tendons and is being
used in a wide range
of applications.
Applications of Nitinol
• Nitinol’s amazing properties
allows surgeons to perform
life saving operations
Nitinol is used to:

• Seal holes in the heart
• Patch up faulty blood
vessels
• Attach tendons to bones.
AMPLATZER® Septal Occluder

for heart defect repair utilizes the
shape memory of Nitinol
Uses Of Nitinol
Research scientists, innovators and artists are always
finding new creative uses for Nitinol.
• Knee replacements
• Spectacle frames
• Medical stents
• Repair broken bones
• Replace damaged discs.
• etc…
Applications Of SMA
The Icemobile
A Nitinol heat engine,
called the Icemobile has
a loop of Nitinol which
you immerse in warm
water, to make it spin
(which then cuts up ice
cubes).
Applications Of SMA
A detector for fire alarm sprinkler system.
•When there is a fire the
temperature will affect the
electrical circuit and
trigger the sprinkler.
•Flexible and movable

toys like butterflies and
snakes are made using
SMA’s.
Applications Of SMA
• Eyeglass frames that can be bent totally out of shape
and return to their original shape upon warming
• Irregularities in teeth can be corrected.
• A shirt which moulds to the shape of your body, or
shortens and lengthens the sleeves to match the
temperature.
• Used for steering the small tubes inserted into the
human body.
Some other applications of
SMA
• Nanomuscles
• Surgical instruments
– Tissue Spreader
– Stents (angioplasty)
– Coronary Probe
– Brain Spatula
• Endoscopy: miniature
zoom device, bending
actuator
• Force sensor
• Smart skin (wing
turbulence reduction)
Nitinol Art
Designing with Nitinol.
Advantages of SMA
• Compact
• Safe
• Smart
• Flexible
• Non corrosive
Disadvantages of SMA
• High cost
• Low efficiency
• Structural arrangement may be get
deformed
• Transformation occurs over a range
of temperatures.
created and edited by
V.Sriram

Shape Memory Alloy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Shape Memory Alloy

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Shape Memory Alloy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Shape Memory Alloy

Shape Memory Alloys (SMA’s) are a class

• Upon cooling in the absence of applied

• If mechanical load is applied to the material in

Nitinol is used to:

AMPLATZER® Septal Occluder

•Flexible and movable

You might also like