Shape Memory Alloys

Akash Verma
CMC

Outline
Introduction to SMA
A Brief History
Solid Stable states of SMA
Shape memory Effect
Psuedoelastic effect
Applications of SMA
Limitations of SMA

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SMA Introduction
Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are a

class of metal alloys that can recover

apparent permanent strains when
they are heated above a certain
temperature.
The most effective and widely used
alloys are NiTi, CuZnAl, and CuAlNi
SMAs have two stable phases - the
high-temperature
phase,
called
austenite and the low-temperature
phase, called martensite
The shape change involves a solid
state phase change involving a
molecular rearrangement between
Martensite and Austenite
SMA
also
exhibits
superelastic

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A BRIEF HISTORY
1932 - A. lander discovers the pseudoelastic properties

of Au-Cd alloy.
1949 - Memory effect of Au-Cd reported by Kurdjumov &
Kandros.
1967 At Naval Ordance Laboratory, Beuhler discovers
shape memory effect in nickel titanium alloy, Nitinol
(Nickel Titanium Naval Ordance Laboratory), which
proved to be a major breakthrough in the field of shape
memory alloys.
1970-1980 First reports of nickel-titanium implants
being used in medical applications.
Mid-1990s Memory metals start to become widespread
in medicine and soon move to other applications.
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Solid stable states of SMA

SMAs have two stable phases :
the

high-temperature
called austenite and
the
low-temperature
called martensite.

phase,
phase,

the martensite can be in one

of two forms:
twinned
detwinned

A phase transformation which

occurs between these two

phases upon heating/cooling
is the basis for the unique
properties of the SMAs
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Thermally Induced Phase

Transformation in SMAs

Martensit
(twinned)
e

Martensit
(twinned)
e

Mf

Mf

TEMPERATURE

Ms

As

TEMPERATURE

Ms

As

Af

Austeni
te

Af

Austeni
te

Characteristic
temperatures:
Mf=Martensitic
Finish
Ms=Martensitic
Start
As=Austenitic
Start
Af=Austenitic
Finish
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Shape memory effect

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
(Af)
will

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The Shape Memory Effect

Detwinning

Cooling

Heating/Recovery

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PSEUDOELASTIC BEHAVIOR
Occurs when an alloy

Detwinned Martensite
(stressed)

STRESS

is completely in the
Austenite phase
Is not dependent on
temperature
When
the load is
increased to a point,
the alloy transitions
from
the
Austenite
phase
to
the
detwinned Martensite
phase
Once
the
load
is
removed,
the alloy
returns
to
the
it

Mf

Ms

As

Af

TEMPERATUR
E

Austenite

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Applications
Applications of superelastic behavior
Orthodontal braces
Frames for eyeglasses
Antennas for cellular phones

Applications of Shape memory effect

Self-expandable cardiovascular stent

Blood clot filters
Engines
Actuators for smart systems
Flaps that change direction of airflow
depending upon temperature (for air
conditioners)
Couplings
10
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SMA Application:Coupling for Tubing

Use of memory alloys
for coupling tubing:
(a) A memory alloy
coupling
is
expanded so it fits
over the tubing
(b) When the coupling
reheated,
it
shrinks back to its
original diameter
(c)
squeezing
the
tubing for a tight
fit
11
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SMA Application: The Smart Wing

Shape memory alloys

to Change the Shape

of the Wing of a Plane
to
make
it
more
maneuverable.
This is done by simply
sending
a
electric
current throw the part
of the plane to heat it
to
the
desired
temperature.
This
changes the shape of
the wing making the
Plane
more
maneuverable.
This
was previously
done with a heavy

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SMA Application: Robotic Muscles

It

is
difficult
to
simulation
of
our
muscle
and
basic
movements.
Things
like holding a pen or a
pencil,
feeling/touch,
or just moving a finger
are great challenges
for Robotics.

When the heat of a

wire
changes
the
shape and move ability
of the metal. This is
similar to a muscle as
a nerve send a pulse
to the muscle the size
doesnt
change,
however
it
does
weaken or strengthen

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Advantages and Limitations

Advantages
Shape memory effect
Psuedo-elasticity
High corrosion resistance
Light weight
Good Bio Compatibility

Limitations
Most SMA's have poor fatigue properties
Relatively expensive to manufacture and

machine
Heat Dissipation

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Thank You

15
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