SHOULD SHAPE - MEMORY

MATERIALS BE USED TO

MAKE VEHICLES ?
Since the chance discovery of shape-memory materials in 1962 at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in Maryland, America, a multitude of scientists and
engineers have been investigating and experimenting with incorporating these materials into everyday items. Early uses for shape-memory materials,
especially NiTinol, consisted mainly of medical apparatus such as orthodontic wire for braces and cardiovascular stents (mainly used for catheter
insertion), however they were also used to create ergonomic solutions to existing products, for example the creation of shape-memory, flexible
eyeglasses. The research that I have conducted will provide insight into new possibilities for the use of shape-memory alloy materials in our everyday
lives, namely their use in the manufacturing process of vehicles and transportation.

WHAT IS A SHAPE - MEMORY ALLOY ? MEMORY TRANSFER TEMPERATURES OF CHEMICAL CONCEPTS BEHIND SHAPE -
SHAPE - MEMORY ALLOYS MEMORY ALLOYS

Shape-memory materials are substitutional
alloys that can be 'programmed' to
remember their initial shape after
contortion. Unlike regular metals and alloys,
this initial shape can be returned once the
material has been deformed, through the
application of thermal energy.
Some examples of these shape-memory
alloys include NiTinol - an alloy made from
55% Nickel and 45% Titanium, Al–Zn- Cu -
with 68-80% Cu, 16-24% Zn and 4-8% Al.
NiTinol, the most commonly used shape-
memory alloy, exhibits extraordinary
properties such as the signature two-way
shape memory effect, where the alloy can
remember two states - each at differing
temperatures - due to displacement, as
well as pseudo-elasticity and extreme
tensile strength, wherein the alloy is can be
misshapen and returned to it's original
shape up to 30 times more than regular
metals without fatiguing.
Due to the high strength-to-weight ratio
and ductility at room temperature, Al–Zn
Cu alloys are used in the automotive,
aerospace, aircraft fields, however this
alloy is unable to exhibit pseudo-elasticity,
making it a less viable option for the
manufacturing of vehicles than NiTinol.
SHAPE - MEMORY AND PSEUDO
Shape-memory alloys are able to undergo phase
NiTinol -50°C to 110°C transformations due to the arrangement of their individual
lattice structures. The low-temperature phase (regular
temperature) of a shape-memory alloy is called the
"Martensite" phase, or "twinned structure". This phase presents
Al-Cu-Zn -140°C to 100°C
itself as a rhombus shaped crystalline lattice structure with
equal amounts of alternating orientated rhombuses. Within
these rhombus there is an of each different metal at either
Cu-Zn -180°C to 100°C corner of the rhombus, The high-temperature phase (irregular
temperature) of a shape-memory alloy is called the "Austenite"
As a result of it's low memory transfer temperature phase. This phase is displayed by a regular quadrilateral
range, NiTinol would be the safest shape-memory alloy shaped crystalline lattice structure with no skewed edges
to use in the manufacturing of vehicles, as in the event of (these skewed edges can be observed in the Martensite
it being deformed in extremely cold or hot temperatures, phase). The alloy transforms into its Austenite phase after
the alloy will snap back to it's original shape, thus surpassing it's transition temperature (as listed in the table to
the left).
restoring the vehicle from it's damaged state.
When a shape-memory alloy is deformed it's lattice remains in
the Martensite phase, however the presentation of this phase
changes. Before contortion, the Martensite phase is seen as a
rhombus-like structure with alternating metal atoms at either
corner. However when stress is applied to the alloy, it's lattice
structure moves in a single crystalline direction (as seen in the
image opposite) to create a 'diagonal ladder' of rhombus-like
shapes.
This Martensite structure shift is unique to shape-memory
alloys, as in normal metals, deformations delocalise the
molecular structure thus creating an entirely new crystalline
lattice.
Like metals, shape-memory alloy structures are comprised of
atoms arranged in a regular repeating pattern, however when a
shape-memory alloy is stretched, the atoms accommodate
stress from the deformation. Unlike the structure of a metal, in
shape-memory alloys all atoms remain connected in all phases
of transformation
- ELASTICITY IN RELATION TO VEHICLES

In it's high-temperature (Austenite) phase the shape-memory alloy's structure is in neat squares. As the alloy is cooled
to room temperature (Martensite phase), the twinned structure forms, wherein the alloy has an equal number of left- PRACTICAL USE OF NITINOL IN VEHICLES

skewed and right-skewed rhombuses. When stress is applied to the alloy, the atoms that form the crystalline lattice
structure shift to create unequal numbers of left-skewed and right-skewed rhombuses, allowing the alloy to form the
desired shape. To restore the shape-memory alloy to it's original, remembered shape, thermal energy must be applied.
This shape memory effect can be useful in repairing damaged vehicles, as well as absorbing shock in the event of a
collision, as the vehicle's exterior will disfigure to accommodate the force of the crash.
As previously mentioned, under specific conditions, shape-memory alloys can demonstrate pseudo-elasticity. In order
to create this effect, the alloy must be conditioned to transform into it's Austenite phase at room temperature, rather
than high temperature. Once this change is complete, external force can be applied to the wire to bend it into it's
Martensite phase. When released, the wire will transform back into the Austenite phase and the structure's neat
squares will be restored. This pseudo-elasticity will be more useful for repairing damaged vehicles in the event of
disfiguration as the material will rebound to it's original shape almost instantly, thus reserving a visit to the mechanic.
SOCIAL AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF SHAPE - MEMORY VEHICLES
In the event of innovation, it is not only important to think about if one could create, but also to think about if one should create. Such
is the case with shape-memory vehicles. In researching the question "Should Shape-Memory Materials Be Used To Make Vehicles?"
the 'Risk Compensation' theory was brought to attention. This theory proposes that individuals change their attitudes in relation to
perceived levels of risk, becoming more cautious where they perceive higher risk, and less cautious where they perceive lower risk.
NiTinol is the shape-memory alloy with the most versatility, which will be
required in the event of it's incorporation into vehicular manufacturing.
There are many existing and potential uses for NiTinol due to the alloy's
wide variety of forms. For example, NASA has been experimenting with
creating NiTinol mesh tires on their latest Mars Rover as they believe
that it will allow the Rover to accumulate less damage, and better
withstand the harsh terrain on Mars. In keeping with this theory that is
currently being tested, NiTinol tires could be an option for everyday
vehicles as well, as they conform to various terrains without sinking due
to the alloy's pseudo-elasticity, thus creating a smoother driving
experience.
Another use for shape-memory alloys in vehicles could be as an
actuator. Actuators are an essential part of electronic control systems in
passenger cars and commercial vehicles. It is their job to convert the
electrical signals from the control unit into an action. These actions can
be as minor as locking a car door, or as major as acting as fuel pressure
regulators. Incorporating NiTinol actuators into vehicles could possibly
enable the vehicle to run mostly on shape-memory alloy materials.

Although shape-memory vehicles will provide safer transportation, this aptly applied theory may provide reason to not carry through
with this line of experimentation.

One Professor Gerald J. S. Wilde concluded as part of a study, that drivers of ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes) equipped vehicles took more risks
assuming that said ABS would take care of them and counteract their reckless behaviour, whereas non-ABS drivers were shown to
drive more carefully since they could not rely on ABS in a dangerous situation.

In creating shape-memory vehicles, a similar mindset may be encouraged as drivers may act more carelessly if they believe that their
safety will be taken care of. In addition, drivers may be less inclined to maintain their engine and other car parts due to this mindset.
Above: a NiTinol actuator
The Risk Compensation theory must be carefully considered before manufacturing shape-memory vehicles as this will have the Left: NASA's new NiTinol
greatest impact on society. tires being tested on the
Mars Rover prototype