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Memory Alloys (memory + alloy)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Polymers and Materials Science	51%
Engineering	29%
Medical Sciences	9%
2 Other Domains	11%

Kinds of Memory Alloys

shape memory alloy

Selected Abstracts

Nanoindentation of a Pseudoelastic NiTiFe Shape Memory Alloy,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2010
Janine Pfetzing-Micklich
Nanoindentation is a suitable tool for characterizing the local mechanical properties of shape memory alloys (SMA) and to study their pseudoelastic behavior. There is a special interest in indenting with different indenter tips (as not all tips are associated with strain states that predominantly induce the martensitic transformation) and in indenting at different temperatures, where different phases are present. In this study, we perform nanoindentation on a ternary NiTiFe SMA with different indenter tips and at various testing temperatures. For nanoindentation with spherical tips, load,displacement hystereses clearly indicate pseudoelastic behavior, whereas indentation with Berkovich tips results in more pronounced plastic deformation. Testing at different temperatures is associated with different volume fractions of austenite, martensite, and R-phase. The corresponding nanoindentation responses differ considerably in terms of pseudoelastic behavior. Best pseudoelastic recovery is found at testing temperatures close to the R-phase start temperature, even though this temperature is below the austenite finish temperature, which is a well-known lower temperature bound for full recovery in macroscopic tests. Our results are discussed considering micromechanical aspects and the interaction between stress-induced phase transformation and dislocation plasticity. [source]

A Novel Fe-Mn-Si Shape Memory Alloy With Improved Shape Recovery Properties by VC Precipitation

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2009
Zhizhong Dong
In this work, a nominally new Fe-Mn-Si based shape memory alloy with a small amount of VC was designed. After an optimized thermo-mechanical treatment, a shape recovery of more than 90% after an elongation of 4% could be achieved when the alloys were heated up to 225°C. In addition, high recovery stresses of up to 380 MPa could be obtained after heating to 225°C, whereas 330 MPa were obtained after heating to 160°C. [source]

Suppression of Ni4Ti3 Precipitation by Grain Size Refinement in Ni-Rich NiTi Shape Memory Alloys,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010
Egor A. Prokofiev
Severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes, such as equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and high pressure torsion (HPT), are successfully employed to produce ultra fine grain (UFG) and nanocrystalline (NC) microstructures in a Ti,50.7,at% Ni shape memory alloy. The effect of grain size on subsequent Ni-rich particle precipitation during annealing is investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAD, SAED), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It is observed that Ni4Ti3 precipitation is suppressed in grains of cross-sectional equivalent diameter below approximately 150,nm, and that particle coarsening is inhibited by very fine grain sizes. The results suggest that fine grain sizes impede precipitation processes by disrupting the formation of self-accommodating particle arrays and that the arrays locally compensate for coherency strains during nucleation and growth. [source]

Localization Events and Microstructural Evolution in Ultra-Fine Grained NiTi Shape Memory Alloys during Thermo-Mechanical Loading,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 6 2010
Andreas Schaefer
Subjecting a thin NiTi specimen to uniaxial tension often leads to a localized martensitic transformation: macroscopic transformation bands form and propagate through the specimen, separating it into regions of fully transformed martensite and original austenite. In the present study, the alternating current potential drop (ACPD) technique is used to analyze the change in electrical resistance of ultra-fine grained NiTi wires subjected to a broad range of thermo-mechanical load cases: (i) uniaxial tensile straining at constant temperatures (pseudoelastic deformation); (ii) cooling and heating through the transformation range at constant load (actuator load case); (iii) a combination of mechanical and thermal loading. We monitor the ACPD signals in several zones along the gauge length of specimens, and we demonstrate that a localized type of transformation is a generic feature of pseudoelastic as well as of shape memory deformation. Moreover, the ACPD signals allow to differentiate between temperature-induced martensite (formed during cooling at no or relatively small loads), stress-induced martensite, and reoriented martensite (formed under load at low temperatures). [source]

Powder Metallurgical Near-Net-Shape Fabrication of Porous NiTi Shape Memory Alloys for Use as Long-Term Implants by the Combination of the Metal Injection Molding Process with the Space-Holder Technique,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 12 2009
Manuel Köhl
Abstract A new method was developed for producing highly porous NiTi for use as an implant material. The combination of the space-holder technique with the metal injection molding process allows a net-shape fabrication of geometrically complex samples and the possibility of mass production for porous NiTi. Further, the porosity can be easily adjusted with respect to pore size, pore shape, and total porosity. The influence of the surface properties of powder metallurgical NiTi on the biocompatibility was first examined using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). It was found that pre-alloyed NiTi powders with an average particle size smaller than 45,,m led to the surface properties most suitable for the adhesion and proliferation of hMSCs. For the production of highly porous NiTi, different space-holder materials were investigated regarding low C- and O-impurity contents and the reproducibility of the process. NaCl was the most promising space-holder material compared to PMMA and saccharose and was used in subsequent studies. In these studies, the influence of the total porosity on the mechanical properties of NiTi is investigated in detail. As a result, bone-like mechanical properties were achieved by the choice of Ni-rich NiTi powder and a space-holder content of 50,vol% with a particle size fraction of 355,500,,m. Pseudoelasticity of up to 6% was achieved in compression tests at 37,°C as well as a bone-like loading stiffness of 6.5,GPa, a sufficient plateau stress ,25 of 261,MPa and a value for ,50 of 415,MPa. The first biological tests of the porous NiTi samples produced by this method showed promising results regarding proliferation and ingrowth of mesenchymal stem cells, also in the pores of the implant material. [source]

Shape Memory Materials: Identification of Quaternary Shape Memory Alloys with Near-Zero Thermal Hysteresis and Unprecedented Functional Stability (Adv. Funct.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 12 2010
Mater.
On page 1917, R. Zarnetta et al. report that for the reversible martensitic transformation in shape memory alloys the compatibility at the austenite/martensite interface is directly related to the width of the thermal hysteresis and to the functional stability. A "perfect" compatibility results in the growth of twinless martensite (blue) within the austenite (red), as shown in the TEM image for a Ti50Ni39Pd11 shape memory alloy (image provided courtesy of R. Delville). [source]

Identification of Quaternary Shape Memory Alloys with Near-Zero Thermal Hysteresis and Unprecedented Functional Stability

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 12 2010
Robert Zarnetta
Abstract Improving the functional stability of shape memory alloys (SMAs), which undergo a reversible martensitic transformation, is critical for their applications and remains a central research theme driving advances in shape memory technology. By using a thin-film composition-spread technique and high-throughput characterization methods, the lattice parameters of quaternary Ti,Ni,Cu,Pd SMAs and the thermal hysteresis are tailored. Novel alloys with near-zero thermal hysteresis, as predicted by the geometric non-linear theory of martensite, are identified. The thin-film results are successfully transferred to bulk materials and near-zero thermal hysteresis is observed for the phase transformation in bulk alloys using the temperature-dependent alternating current potential drop method. A universal behavior of hysteresis versus the middle eigenvalue of the transformation stretch matrix is observed for different alloy systems. Furthermore, significantly improved functional stability, investigated by thermal cycling using differential scanning calorimetry, is found for the quaternary bulk alloy Ti50.2Ni34.4Cu12.3Pd3.1. [source]

Modelling of Shape Memory Alloys and Experimental Verification

PROCEEDINGS IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS & MECHANICS, Issue 1 2003
M. Schleich
Prestrained shape memory alloys change their length when heated above their transformation temperature. This effect can be used to generate high forces in a small workspace, which has particular advantages in actuator design. The optimization and control of the shape memory actuator requires a comprehensive simulation of the material behavior. However, many of the existing models are limited to specific load cases or offer rough approximations only. A material model for shape memory alloys from Seelecke [1] is examined in this paper. This model describes the behavior of a shape memory wire, which is heated by electric current. It is implemented in a simulation program to investigate the actuator output and to improve the performance. Finally, the parameters of the simulation are adapted to experimental results. [source]

Suppression of Ni4Ti3 Precipitation by Grain Size Refinement in Ni-Rich NiTi Shape Memory Alloys,

A Novel Fe-Mn-Si Shape Memory Alloy With Improved Shape Recovery Properties by VC Precipitation

Polymer/NiTi-composites: Fundamental Aspects, Processing and Properties,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 11 2005
K. Neuking
NiTi shape memory alloys can be used as actor materials and perform mechanical work; they can also be used for damping applications. In combination with polymers their functionality can be increased. Shape memory effects of NiTi alloys are associated with large strains and in a NiTi/polymer-composite, the polymer can accommodate these large strains without breaking. In a NiTi/polymer-composite the polymer can for example be used to store elastic energy, to provide corrosion resistance or to assist in a damping application. For all applications, a good bonding between the shape memory alloy and the polymer is required. The present paper considers fields of applications, processing and properties of NiTi/polymer-composites. [source]

Shape Memory Materials: Identification of Quaternary Shape Memory Alloys with Near-Zero Thermal Hysteresis and Unprecedented Functional Stability (Adv. Funct.

Study on a reversible thermal panel for spacecraft (detailed design based on parametric studies and experimental verification)

HEAT TRANSFER - ASIAN RESEARCH (FORMERLY HEAT TRANSFER-JAPANESE RESEARCH), Issue 7 2006
Hosei Nagano
Abstract This paper describes a new passive thermal control device,a Reversible Thermal Panel (RTP), which changes its function reversibly from a radiator to solar absorber by deploying/stowing the radiator/absorber reversible fin. Parametric studies were conducted and the RTP configuration which satisfies the thermal requirements was determined. The RTP engineering model was fabricated using highly oriented graphite sheets, honeycomb base plate, and shape memory alloy. The heat rejection performances and autonomous thermal controllability were evaluated by thermal vacuum tests. The test results show the excellent performances of heat rejection, absorption, and autonomous thermal control for the RTP. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(7): 464,481, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20131 [source]

Infection-induced urethral defect treated by urethral reconstruction with a radial forearm flap

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 2 2005
TORU KANNO
Abstract A 47-year-old man was admitted with the chief complaint of a urethral defect. An approximately 17-cm defect of the urethra seemed to have been occurred by the infection of implanted foreign bodies in the penile skin. Reconstruction of the urethra and the ventral skin was performed with a free radial forearm flap. A fistula formed at the proximal anastomosis after the operation, but was controlled conservatively. Urethral stricture at the proximal anastomosis subsequently developed. A urethral stent made of shape memory alloy was placed with the preservation of voiding function. [source]

A Two Degree of Freedom Gripper Actuated by SMA with Flexure Hinges

JOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 11 2003
A. Manuello Bertetto
A gripper prototype was designed and built. It is made by a rigid structure articulated by compliant hinges. Its kinematics consists of both parallel and angular finger motion. The movements were designed to be independent from each other and auto-adaptive as well. The motions were driven by Ni-Ti shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The recovery position is achieved by the elastic force exerted by the flexure hinges in the case of parallel motion and by an axial spring in the case of angular motion. Both the actuators and the hinges were experimentally characterized by suitable test rigs. The gripper prototype was tested and it showed to be able to reach the design performances. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Numerical Simulation of the Application of NiTi Alloys in Medical Technologies

PROCEEDINGS IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS & MECHANICS, Issue 1 2005
Daniel Christ
Shape memory alloys are nowadays already established as a material which is able to solve exceptional tasks in practical applications. Particularly, its utilization in the field of medical technologies increases steadily. For example micro tools (staple, catheters) and implants (coronary stents) are made out of Nickel-Titanium well known as a basic shape memory alloy. Apart from the advantages like the avoidance of auxiliary components and joints in the system and to utilize the high volume specific work of shape memory alloys, NiTi alloys exhibit a good biocompatibility. This property is necessary with regard to either permanent or temporary implants. To optimize the use of NiTi alloys in the scope of medical technologies, the support of the development of applicable tools by numerical simulations is highly recommended. However the complex material behaviour containing a profoundly thermomechanical coupling poses indeed a big challenge to the material modeling and its implementation into a finite element code. Particularly, the material model proposed by Helm [1] proves to be a firm model containing the most common properties of shape memory alloys, as the pseudoelasticity, the shape memory effect and the two-way effect. In the present contribution the FE modelling of a medical staple used in foot surgery is presented by considering the model of Helm which was investigated by the authors to improve its performance in the finite element method [2]. The foot staple, produced by a group of members of the SFB 459 which is funded by the DFG, avails the shape memory effect to excite the desired clamping effect [3]. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Development of the Pulsation Device for Rotary Blood Pumps,

ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2005
Tomoyuki Yambe
Abstract A rotary blood pump (RP) is desirable as a small ventricular assist device (VAD). However, an RP is nonpulsatile. We tried to develop a device that attaches a pulse to the RP. We also tried to develop a pulse-generating equipment that was not air-pressure driven. The ball screw motor was considered a candidate. The application of a small-sized shape memory alloy was also attempted. An electrohydraulic system was adopted, and actuator power was connected to the diaphragm. The diaphragm was placed on the outer side of the ventricle. Most RPs that have been developed all over the world drain blood from the ventricle. The wave of a pulse should be generated if a pulse is added by the drawn part. The output assistance from the outer side of the ventricle was attempted in animal experiments, and the device operated effectively. This device can be used during implantable operation of RP. This may serve as an effective device in patients experiencing problems in peripheral circulation and in the function of internal organs. [source]

Recent Progress in Artificial Organ Research at Tohoku University

ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 1 2003
Tomoyuki Yambe
Abstract: Tohoku University has developed various artificial organs over the last 30 years. Pneumatic driven ventricular assist devices with a silicone ball valve have been designed by the flow visualization method, and clinical trials have been performed in Tohoku University Hospital. On the basis of these developments, a pneumatic driven total artificial heart has been developed and an animal experimental evaluation was conducted. The development of artificial organs in Tohoku University has now progressed to the totally implantable type using the transcutaneous energy transmission system with amorphous fibers for magnetic shielding. Examples of implantable systems include a vibrating flow pump for ventricular assist device, an artificial myocardium by the use of shape memory alloy with Peltier elements, and an artificial sphincter for patients with a stoma. An automatic control system for artificial organs had been developed for the ventricular assist devices including a rotary blood pump to avoid suction and to maintain left and right heart balance. Based upon the technology of automatic control algorithm, a new diagnostic tool for evaluating autonomic nerve function has been developed as a branch of artificial organ research and this new machine has been tested in Tohoku University Hospital. Tohoku University is following a variety of approaches aimed at innovation in artificial organs and medical engineering fields. [source]

Shaking table tests on reinforced concrete frames without and with passive control systems

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 14 2005
Mauro Dolce
Abstract An extensive experimental program of shaking table tests on reduced-scale structural models was carried out within the activities of the MANSIDE project, for the development of new seismic isolation and energy dissipation devices based on shape memory alloys (SMAs). The aim of the experimental program was to compare the behaviour of structures endowed with innovative SMA-based devices to the behaviour of conventional structures and of structures endowed with currently used passive control systems. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the main results of the shaking table tests carried out on the models with and without special braces. Two different types of energy dissipating and re-centring braces have been considered to enhance the seismic performances of the tested model. They are based on the hysteretic properties of steel elements and on the superelastic properties of SMAs, respectively. The addition of passive control braces in the reinforced concrete frame resulted in significant benefits on the overall seismic behaviour. The seismic intensity producing structural collapse was considerably raised, interstorey drifts and shear forces in columns were drastically reduced. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Comparative response analysis of conventional and innovative seismic protection strategies

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 5 2002
S. Bruno
Abstract The paper presents a numerical investigation aimed at evaluating the improvements achievable through devices for passive seismic protection of buildings based on the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) in place of conventional steel or rubber devices. To get some generality in the results, different resisting reinforced concrete plane frames were analysed, either protected or not. ,New' and ,existing' buildings were considered depending on whether seismic provisions are adopted in the building design or not. Base isolation and energy dissipation were equally addressed for both conventional and innovative SMA-based devices. Fragility analyses were performed using specific damage measures to account for comparisons among different damage types; the results were then used to estimate quantitatively the effectiveness of the various protection systems. More specifically, the assessment involved a direct comparison of the damage reduction provided by each protection system with respect to the severe degradation experienced by the corresponding non-protected frame. Structural damage, non-structural damage and damage to contents were used on purpose and included in a subsequent phase of cost analysis to evaluate the expected gains also in terms of economic benefits and life loss prevention. The results indicate that base isolation, when applicable, provides higher degrees of safety than energy dissipation does; moreover, the use of SMA-based devices generally brings about better performances, also in consideration of the reduced functional and maintenance requirements. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Size Independent Shape Memory Behavior of Nickel,Titanium,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010
Blythe G. Clark
While shape memory alloys such as NiTi have strong potential as active materials in many small-scale applications, much is still unknown about their shape memory and deformation behavior as size scale is reduced. This paper reports on two sets of experiments which shed light onto an inconsistent body of research regarding the behavior of NiTi at the nano- to microscale. In situ SEM pillar bending experiments directly show that the shape memory behavior of NiTi is still present for pillar diameters as small as 200,nm. Uniaxial pillar compression experiments demonstrate that plasticity of the phase transformation in NiTi is size independent and, in contrast to bulk single crystal observations, is not influenced by heat treatment (i.e., precipitate structure). [source]

Nanoindentation of a Pseudoelastic NiTiFe Shape Memory Alloy,

Polymer/NiTi-composites: Fundamental Aspects, Processing and Properties,

Identification of Quaternary Shape Memory Alloys with Near-Zero Thermal Hysteresis and Unprecedented Functional Stability

Magnetic Field-Induced Phase Transformation in NiMnCoIn Magnetic Shape-Memory Alloys,A New Actuation Mechanism with Large Work Output

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2009
Haluk E. Karaca
Abstract Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) have recently been developed into a new class of functional materials that are capable of magnetic-field-induced actuation, mechanical sensing, magnetic refrigeration, and energy harvesting. In the present work, the magnetic &!hyphen;field-induced martensitic phase transformation (FIPT) in Ni45Mn36.5Co5In13.5 MSMA single crystals is characterized as a new actuation mechanism with potential to result in ultra-high actuation work outputs. The effects of the applied magnetic field on the transformation temperatures, magnetization, and superelastic response are investigated. The magnetic work output of NiMnCoIn alloys is determined to be more than 1,MJ m,3 per Tesla, which is one order of magnitude higher than that of the most well-known MSMAs, i.e., NiMnGa alloys. In addition, the work output of NiMnCoIn alloys is orientation independent, potentially surpassing the need for single crystals, and not limited by a saturation magnetic field, as opposed to NiMnGa MSMAs. Experimental and theoretical transformation strains and magnetostress levels are determined as a function of crystal orientation. It is found that [111]-oriented crystals can demonstrate a magnetostress level of 140,MPa T,1 with 1.2% axial strain under compression. These field-induced stress and strain levels are significantly higher than those from existing piezoelectric and magnetostrictive actuators. A thermodynamical framework is introduced to comprehend the magnetic energy contributions during FIPT. The present work reveals that the magnetic FIPT mechanism is promising for magnetic actuation applications and provides new opportunities for applications requiring high actuation work-outputs with relatively large actuation frequencies. One potential issue is the requirement for relatively high critical magnetic fields and field intervals (1.5,3,T) for the onset of FIPT and for reversible FIPT, respectively. [source]

A three-dimensional model describing stress-temperature induced solid phase transformations: solution algorithm and boundary value problems

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2004
Ferdinando Auricchio
Abstract An always increasing knowledge on material properties as well as a progressively more sophisticated production technology make shape memory alloys (SMA) extremely interesting for the industrial world. At the same time, SMA devices are typically characterized by complex multi-axial stress states as well as non-homogeneous and non-isothermal conditions both in space and time. This aspect suggests the finite element method as a useful tool to help and improve application design and realization. With this aim, we focus on a three-dimensional macroscopic thermo-mechanical model able to reproduce the most significant SMA features (Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 2002; 55: 1255,1264), proposing a simple modification of such a model. However, the suggested modification allows the development of a time-discrete solution algorithm, which is more effective and robust than the one previously discussed in the literature. We verify the computational tool ability to simulate realistic mechanical boundary value problems with prescribed temperature dependence, studying three SMA applications: a spring actuator, a self-expanding stent, a coupling device for vacuum tightness. The effectiveness of the model to solve thermo-mechanical coupled problems will be discussed in a forthcoming work. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

New approach to twin interfaces of modulated martensite

JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2010
Zongbin Li
In Ni,Mn,Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, the crystallographic nature of martensitic variant interfaces is one of the key factors governing the variant reorientation through field-induced interface motion and hence the shape memory performance. So far, the crystal structure studies of these materials , conducted by means of transmission electron microscopy , have suffered from uncertainties in determining the number of unit cells of modulated superstructure, and consequently improper interpretations of orientation correlations of martensitic variants. In this paper a new approach is presented for comprehensive analysis of crystallographic and morphological information of modulated martensite, using automated electron backscatter diffraction. As a first attempt, it has been applied for the unambiguous determination of the orientation relationships of adjacent martensitic variants and their twin interface characters in an incommensurate 7M modulated Ni,Mn,Ga alloy, from which a clear and full-featured image of the crystallographic nature of constituent twin interfaces is built up. Certainly, this new approach will make it feasible not only to generalize the statistical analysis of martensitic variant distributions for various materials with modulated superstructure, but also to give insight into the crystallographic characteristics of martensitic variant interfaces and the variant reorientation mechanism of new advanced materials for interface engineering. [source]

Modelling of magneto-mechanical hysteresis loops in Ni-Mn-Ga shape memory alloys

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 12 2004
Laurent HirsingerArticle first published online: 17 DEC 200
Abstract A predictive model of field-induced strain in Ni-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys is proposed. In this study, magnetocrystalline anisotropy K1 is introduced to permit magnetisation rotation in martensite platelets. The demagnetisation field induced by the shape of platelets is investigated. The proposed model is identified on experiments performed by Straka et al. This identification shows that observed macroscopic hysteresis loops, i.e. magnetisation and detwinning strain versus applied magnetic field, correspond exactly to a successive activation of three mechanisms: Movement of 180° domain walls, rotation of magnetisation and martensite detwinning. As expected, magnetization and strain -induced by magnetic field- in a single crystal are mainly given by the mobility of twin boundaries and magnetic anisotropies (due to the martensite crystallographic structure and to the shape of platelets). (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]