SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS

Presented by
Afsal .f
S7 Mechanical

Introduction
Shape memory alloys (SMA's) are metals, which exhibit two very unique
properties, pseudo-elasticity, and the shape memory effect.
The most effective and widely used alloys include Ni Ti (Nickel Titanium),
Cu Zn Al and Cu Al Ni
The two unique properties described above are made possible through a
solid state phase change, that is a molecular rearrangement, which occurs
in the shape memory alloy
solid state phase change is similar in that a molecular rearrangement is
occurring, but the molecules remain closely packed so that the substance
remain solid

General principles
Shape

memory metal alloy can exist in two

different temperature dependent crystal structures
(phases) called martensite (lower temperature )
and austenite ( higher temperature or parent
phase ).

General principles

Martensite is relatively soft and easily

deformed phase exists at lower temperature
Molecular structure is twinned
Upon deformation this phase takes on
second form Austenite
Austenite, the stronger phase occurs at
higher temperature
Shape of Austenite is cubic

Shape Memory Effect

It is observed when the temperature of a piece

of SMA is cooled to below the temperature Mf
At this stage the alloy is completely
composed of Martensite which can be easily
deformed
After distorting the SMA the original shape
can be recovered by heating the wire above the
temperature Af

Shape Memory Effect

The Shape memory effect is currently being

implemented in:

Coffepots
The space shuttle
Thermostats
Vascular Stents
Hydraulic Fittings (for Airplanes)

Pseudo-Elasticity

Pseudo-elasticity occurs in shape memory alloys when

the alloy is completely composed of Austenite
(temperature is greater than Af).

Unlike the shape memory effect, pseudo-elasticity

occurs without a change in temperature.

The load on the shape memory alloy is increased until

the Austenite becomes transformed into Martensite
simply due to the loading;

Pseudo-Elasticity

Figure shows the process of pseudo elasticity

Examples of applications in which pseudoelasticity is used are:

Eyeglass Frames
Medical Tools
Cellular Phone Antennae

Applications
Aircraft

Maneuverability

The wire on the bottom of the wing is shortened through

the shape memory effect, while the top wire is stretched
bending the edge downwards, the opposite occurs when
the wing must be bent upwards. The shape memory effect
is induced in the wires simply by heating them with an
electric current

Hinge less shape memory alloy Flap

Medical Applications
1.
2.
3.

Stents
Vena-cava Filters
Dental and Orthodontic Applications

Bone Plates
Bone plates are surgical tools, which are used to assist in the healing of
broken and fractured bones.
The breaks are first set and then held in place using bone plates in
situations where casts cannot be applied to the injured area.
Bone plates are often applied to fractures occurring to facial areas such
the nose, jaw or eye sockets.
Repairs like this fall into an area of medicine known as
osteosynthesis.

Fracture repair

Plate and screw

Reconstruction of fractured face using bone

plates

Robotic muscle

Shape memory alloys mimic human muscles and tendons

very well. SMA's are strong and compact so that large
groups of them can be used for robotic applications,

Working of SMA in a Robotic muscle

MILITORY APPLICATION OF SMA

For the military, one of the key features of SMAs is

that they can produce particularly strong forces
without creating a detectable signature - such as a
wake of the type produced by a propeller
SMA actuators can give an underwater vehicle
characteristic more like those of a fish or other
underwater species
Research is focusing on developing underwater
vessels that "mimic" the movement of fish

Artist s impression of an underwater vehicle using SMAs.

Advantages

Bio-compatibility
Diverse Fields of Application
Good Mechanical Properties (strong, corrosion resistant)

Disadvantages
These alloys are still relatively expensive to manufacture and
machine compared to other materials such as steel and aluminum.
Most SMA's have poor fatigue properties

Some applications of SMA

Aircraft flap/slat adjusters

Arterial clips
Automotive thermo
Cold start vehicle actuators
Contraceptive devices
Electrical circuit breakers
Fibre-optic coupling

Filter struts
Fire dampers
Fire sprinklers
Gas discharge
Intraocular lens mount
Kettle switches
Keyhole instruments
Key-hole surgery instrument

Conclusion

Future applications include engines in cars and airplanes

and electrical generators utilizing the mechanical energy
resulting from the shape transformations.

Nitinol with its shape memory property is also envisioned for

use as car frames.

possible automotive applications using SMA springs

include engine cooling, carburetor and engine lubrication contro