DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL

ENGINEERING

TEAM MEDEXTROUS
EXHIBITIONS
 TEST AND ANALYSIS OF A PROPOSED NITINOL BASED ENGINE.
Proposed by: Satvik Bhatnagar & Ritu Kumari
Constructed by: Satvik Bhatnagar & Ritu Kumari

ABSTRACT: Nitinol is a special shape-memory alloy of nickel-titanium which can be used to

convert heat to mechanical energy. Because heat can be used which is at liquid-water
temperatures, it is anticipated that an engine based on this may have a large commercial
application in using heat to power useful mechanical and electrical purposes. The idea of a shape
memory alloy-based engine is relatively new when put against conventional ones in use. A
prototype based off of this might prove to have promising power density, limited thermodynamic
efficiency, and undetermined longevity. This study concerns one class of Nitinol engine in which the
alloy in the form of wire loops drive pulleys of unequal diameter. In it we attempt to determine
feasibility of scale-up by use of multiple wires in parallel and examine the relevant thermodynamic
properties of Nitinol especially as these relate to fatigue lifetime.
 Mechanical Properties of
Nitinol Wire

Physical Properties of
Nitinol Wire

OBJECTIVES:

 To have scientific study of alternative engine concept after its testing & analysis as it is
currently not being employed commercially / industrially.

 To compare the concept of an engine harnessing the pros and unique features of shape-
memory alloy to test against standard procedures of engine operation.
  Points of testing and comparison: -
 Cost of Operation.
 Design & Construction viability.
 Efficiency.
 Effective Life & Fatigue time.
 Fuel.

EXECUTION:

The proposed engine design consists of a linear output heat engine for developing energy from
elements of nitinol wire. The wires are secured between parallel linkage levers which are
reciprocated between hot and cold fluid baths causing the levers to actuate whereby linear
reciprocating energy is extracted from the levers. During operation, half of its wires are heated
while other halves are cooled. Wires on the hot side try to contract while the wires on the cold side
soften and stretch as engine rotates.
However, since it shall still be a working prototype, there are limited experimental measurements
of shaft speed which can be performed. It shall be then analyzed to possibly harness the motion
generated to be an effective and efficient energy source.

- Proposed Design (Hand drawn) -

 - Belt Pulley Drive mechanism -

THE HEAT SOURCE:

As previously mentioned, the focal point of Nitinol Engine prototype is the working of nitinol
under specified temperature difference as per the requirement of the purpose/job. With the
availability of numerous heat sources, it wouldn’t have been a difficult work. However, a mere
20° to 25 ° temperature difference can be enough to put it to work, and to cope up with energy
and cost efficiency, as well as portability (if needed), an alcohol-fueled burner would be
employed for this engine. The reasons for choosing this over other similar options are as follows:

1. It produces smokeless, residue-free, and little cooler flame when compared to something like
a Bunsen burner.
2. The flame of alcohol burner does not go beyond five centimeters or two inches, which also
makes it safe to use.
3. 100ml of alcohol burns for 30 minutes in this type of burner, which makes it quite efficient and
economical.
4. It also won't spill any fuel when transporting.
5. Other factors include  Inexpensive stove and fuel, easy to find, eco – friendly.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

 3-D Modeling and Design

 Analysis & Simulations.
 Teamwork and Co-ordination.
 Practical skill applications.
 Various concepts of thermodynamics and
mechanics of machine.

SOCIAL BENEFITS:

 A very efficient and viable alternative engine.

 Nitinol wire used here only grows stronger overtime and hence it quite durable and
long- lasting.