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Application of shape
memory alloys in
engineering – A
review

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 Abstract
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Shape Memory Alloy is a smart alloy which retains their original shape under
thermomechanical or magnetic variation. Shape Memory Alloy are widely used in different
engineering field because of its superior properties and variety of application. Recent
research of SMA has been applied in the field of Aerospace, Automotive, Biomedical, and
Robotics. This memory effect is due to the presence of austenite and martensite crystalline
structures. These alloys are bio-compatible, lightweight, and also possess a high force-to-
weight ratio. Due to this SMA actuators are very much suitable for soft robotic applications.
However, due to high cooling times during phase change, SMA has small bandwidth and
low operating frequencies. This alloy can replace a sensor as it performs the same work done
by sensors or transducer. An extensive review of history, material characterization, and
opportunities of SMA in the engineering field. Keywords: SMA; Biomedical; Phase
change; Alloys

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 1.Introduction
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SMA is referred t o as a smart alloy that c a n be deformed a n d returns t o its pre-deformed shape when
subjected to temperature c h a n g e . I n general, SMAs c a n memorize their earlier form when triggered b y
a certain stimulus like t h e r m o m e c h a n i c a l or magnetic variation. T h i s alloy is a l s o called t o be
memory alloy o r smart alloy or muscle wire, Figure 1[1] Recent technology demands ‘smart’ systems with
intelligent functions. To be specific, f o r the automotive industry: increased weight directly results in high fuel
consumption resulting i n h i g h cost o f t h e product. SMA offers multiple d e g r e e of magnitude when
compared t o traditional materials. Hence, t h e requirement i n t h e field of engineering a n d applications
h a s increased in consumer p r o d u c t s and manufacturing applications. Even t h o u g h other alloys, l o w
i n c o s t are available in t h e market, stability, practicability a n d thermo-mechanic performance a r e o f
concern. Nickel Titanium-based alloys are preferred more f o r v a r i o u s applications. Previous studies have
showcased t h e application of this effect i n micro-structural mechanisms a n d v a r i o u s other engineering
fields [2]. In any application, SMA i s subjected t o cyclic continuous l o a d to e n s u r e mechanical
properties like fatigue, stress-strain effect, and fracture. I n this work, t h e shape m e m o r y materials
properties a n d characterization a r e also being discussed and h o w i t will be applied to t h e engineering
f i e l d according t o its properties. 3 3
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•Shape Memory Alloy has unique characteristics such as memory effect, thermomechanical, and superelasticity.
These alloys are good to memorize the process between two transformation phase that

•is temperature or magnetic field dependent (SME) [3]. Thermomechanical is a property when the smart material is
subjected to large plastic strain, it can recover its original position (shape or size) by applying heat. Super elasticity
is a property that the material is capable to recovers its original form from nonlinear strain instantaneously upon
stress removal or load removal [4].

•Shape memory alloy refers to a type of material that has the ability to return to its original shape after undergoing
deformation when exposed to certain stimuli, such as heat or stress. Common shape memory alloys include nickel-
titanium (NiTi) and copper-aluminum-nickel. These alloys can be bent or deformed at room temperature and, when
heated above a certain temperature, they will revert back to their original shape. This unique property makes shape
memory alloys useful in various applications, including medical devices, aerospace engineering, robotics, and
consumer electronics.
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History SMA Master title style

Initially, in 1930 the shape memory effect was identified. A Swedish

physicist by the name, Arne Olander, identified that gold-cadmium alloys
were able to exhibit the effect. Otsuka and Wayman identified the
pseudoelastic behavior of Au-Cd alloy. Similarly, the shape memory effect
has observed in materials like Copper-Aluminium-Nickel alloy in the
1950s. W.Buehler and Wang explored this effect in a NiTi alloy, which is
called as nitinol (Ni-Ti). This Nitinol alloy was first discovered by the
United States Naval Ordinance Laboratory.

Since the 1980s, the utility of Ni-Ti alloy has been in many areas due to the
lightweight and more compact nature. In the 1990s, this technology was
introduced in the Shape memory material community [5].

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Transformation stylememory alloy
in shape
Shape memory alloy exists with varied crystal structures in two different phases when it is
subjected to some external factor. SMAs have a simple application of deforming by applying
force and recovering to their original shape either heating to a particular temperature or
applying a magnetic field. SMAs can have six-phase transformations (High phase
temperature - austenite and Low phase temperature – Martensite). The transformation
happens by shear lattice distortion. When the Shape Memory alloy is heated, its temperature Figure 2. Phase transformation of SMA
[4].
get increases and after a certain temperature limit, the martensite structure begins to
transform into an austenite structure. Change of structure happens from austenite to
martensite upon cooling without the application of an external factor. The phase change of
martensite to austenite is said to be forward transformation. The austenite to martensite
phase transformation is said to be “reverse transformation”. In practical, these alloys may be
produced by electron beam, Vacuum and plasma melting but vacuum melting is considered to be the best. Transformation

begins at A s and ends at A f is the temperature where the transformation is completed. Reversal to Figure 1. Crystal structures and Phases
martensite happens during the cooling process at Ms and ends at M f temperature [6].
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Transformation stylememory alloy
in shape

In the beginning, the austenite phase starts to deform and changes to twinned
martensite. Application of the load to the materials in the twinned martensitic
phase, enables to reverse and detwin the martensite which causes a change in
shape and the deformed configuration under removal of the applied load (Figure
2). This phenomenon of heating of SMA above Af will result in reverse form
phase change and shape recovery exists and again cooling back to a temperature
below Mf will result again in twinned martensite. This Process of phase
transformation from one phase to another is said to be the Shape Memory Effect, Figure 3. Structural change of SMA [7]

Figure (3-5) [7].

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Transformation stylememory alloy
in shape

According to the effect, SMAs can be categorized into three characteristics. They are
1) Single-way shape memory effect 2) Double-way shape memory effect 3) Pseudo
elasticity.
1. Single-way effect

The material subjected to deformation will retain its deformed shape under cold
condition and gets back to original shape upon heating.

2. Double-way effect

Memorizing the form at the top and bottom temperatures are referred to as a double
way effect. It provides partial recovery strain produced by one-way SMAs for the
materials under consideration.
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3. Pseudo elasticity
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Engineering Masterof title
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The shape memory and pseudo effects are the important properties
to be reviewed and understood nowadays [8]. Initially, the alloy is
in its parent austenitic phase. Removal of stress will result in a
martensitic phase upon cooling in the twinned form. At higher
stress, the martensitic phase is transformed to a fully detwinned
form, which can be observed as large macroscopic strains. Further
heating at lower load, phase change to austenitic phase begins,
reaches As, and ends at Af. Due to inelastic strain, the SMA
regains the original form. Figure 5. Pseudo-elastic
Figure 4. Experimental loading paths.[7]
stress-strain temperature.[7]

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Research around the globe is attempted to improve the areas and

attributes of SMAs, by improving identifying new compositions and

temperature ranges. So, the intensive research work has to continue for

improving fatigue life and stability of SMA. The most widely used

SMA in engineering fields are:-

1) Aerospace application

2) Automotive application
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3) Biomedical application.
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1. Aerospace application
This industry is looking for improved materials and solutions for its
applications. Wind morphing is a practical solution that can be met in
different conditions [9]. Researchers have brought to light both the shape
memory and pseudoelastic effects in solving industrial problems of
aerospace. Implementation of this technology in fixed-wing aircraft,
Figure 7. Boeing variable chevron
rotorcraft, and spacecraft has gained importance. It describes the aerospace [11].

application of alloys and the challenges faced by the designer of such a

system [10].

SMA coupling of hydraulic lines has impressive application in fighter jets,

people gathered their great interest in aerospace application. Some of the
applications are sealers, actuators, vibration-dampers, etc, Figure (6-7).
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Figure 6. SMA airplane wing [1].
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3.2 Automotive application

The application of SMA in the automotive actuator is classified as follows.
1) Low power for comfort
2) high power vehicle control
3) high-frequency control. However, the first category is generally most suitable than the
other two categories. Earlier literature has shown wear resistance and bio-compatible a. Tumble flaps actuator
nature of the alloys are best compared to conventional materials [1].
b. Pop-up bonnet
In recent times, manufacturers are eagerly presenting and implementing SMAs in their c. Micro-scanner system d. Side mirror
actuator Figure 9.
vehicles. The pressure control valve which works under thermal expansion is embedded
in Mercedez-Benz automatic transmissions. Manufacturers like Daimler, Mercedes, and
Benz produced pneumatic valves with SMA for their car seats. The SMAs also referred
as smart composites and it is being utilized in doing multifunctional operations.
Figure 8. Emerging General motors SMA
[15]. 12
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3.3 Bio-Medical
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Application
The application of SMA in the bio-medical field can be categorized into three. 1)
Orthodontic field 2) Orthopedic field 3) Vascular field 4) Neurosurgical field. It was
introduced in the biomedical field in 1975, by Dr. Andreason of Lowa University. The
Usage of Ni-Ti Wires in the buccal cavity at the austenitic phase has been employed for
recent years in dental diagnosis with multi-brackets. These NiTi wires generate an all- Figure 11. SMA orthodontic wires and
distractors.[16]
round force for the brackets for good dental movement. SMAs wire also found application
in Palatal arches. Table 1 illustrates the historical developments of alloys in the bio-
medical field, Figure 11.

Simpon filter was the first ever used vascular instrument in SMA application. NiTi alloys
are also used as a neurosurgical stents. Stents are nets made up of metallic which opens a
stenotic vessel that enables the flow of blood to peripheral tissues. Recently stenotic and
Figure 14. Ni-Ti Neurosurgical stent.[16]
cardiac valves were made of this alloy.
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Year Device

1963 Discovery of nitinoal

1971 Othododic brace

1983 Nitinoal stent

2000 Abdominal wall lift

2007 Endoscopic bleeding control device

2008 Thin film microtube and stent

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Conclusion

shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a fascinating and versatile material with numerous applications ranging from
biomedical devices to aerospace engineering. The unique ability of SMAs to undergo a reversible phase
transformation and "remember" their original shape makes them highly desirable for various industries.
Due to their exceptional mechanical properties, shape memory alloys have the potential to revolutionize the
development of smart materials and structures. They can be used to create self-healing components, shape-
changing systems, and adaptive structures that can respond to external stimuli. Furthermore, SMAs offer the
advantage of being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly durable, making them an ideal choice for
demanding applications.
shape memory alloys are an exciting area of materials science and engineering that offer a wide range of
possibilities for innovations and technological advancements. By continuing to explore and refine their
properties, SMAs could play a crucial role in shaping the future of various industries and transforming the way
we design and manufacture materials and structures. 1515
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Thank You 1

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Thank You 2

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