razvardhan@gmail.

com

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF JHARKHAND

SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS

CENTRE FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF JHARKHAND

RAJVARDHAN
SEM:Vth
Reg.No:CUJ/I/2013/INT/
025
Centre
for
Nanotechnology,
Central
University
of

Outline

Timeline of Memory Metals

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, 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.

Two Phases
Austenite

Hard, firm
Inelastic
Resembles titanium
Simple FCC structure

Martensite
Soft
Elastic
Complex structure

Qualities
Ability to remember its austenite phase

As the metal is cooled to the martensite phase, it can be

easily deformed. When the temperature is raised to the
austenite phase, it reforms to the original shape of the
material.

Pseudoelasticity

When the metal is changed to the martensite phase simply by

strain. The metal becomes pliable and can withstand strains
of up to 8%.

A mix of roughly 50% nickel and 50% titanium is the

most common SMA. Also CuZnAl and CuAlNi are widely
used.

Shape Memory

Phase Changes in NiTi

(2001 SMA/MEMS Research Group)

The twinned
martensite phase
resemble the
austenite phase
from our point of
view, but on an
atomic level, the
structure is
different. There
are phase planes
where the
martensite can
reconfigure itself
with 24
crystallographically
equivalent habit
planes. This is
called twinning
because of the
symmetry across

Pseudoelasticity
Pseudoelasticity (superelasticity) occurs when
the alloy is above the martensite temperature,
but there is a load strong enough to force the
austenite into the martensite phase. The alloy
will not return to the austenite phase until the
loading is decreased or there is a large enough
change in temperature.
The figure shows
load versus
temperature on an
SMA.
2001 SMA/MEMS Research
Group

The figure below shows NiTis ability

to change its shape along phase
planes. Other metals, as we know,
slide along slip planes when there is
an induced stress.

The above figure shows the Martensitic

transformation and hysteresis (= H)
upon a change of temperature. As =
austenite start, Af = austenite finish, Ms
= martensite start, Mf = martensite
finish and Md = Highest temperature to
strain-induced martensite. Gray area =
area of optimal superelasticity. (Jorma
Ryhnen 2000)

Nitinol Wires

Nitinol is generally doped with

other materials like Cr, Cu, Al, or
Fe.
Flexinol is a popular brand of SMA
wire.
Flexinol is designed to take more
repeated stress cycles than pure
NiTi mixes.
Specifically designed to
manufacturers needs.

Flexible Nitinol wires.

University of Alberta

Wires have the ability to flex the robotic muscles

according to electric pulses sent through the wire.

Biological Applications
Bone Plates

Memory effect pulls bones together to promote

healing.

Surgical Anchor

As healing progresses, muscles grow around

the wire. This prevents tissue damage that
could be caused by staples or screws.

Clot Filter

Does not interfere with MRI from nonferromagnetic properties.

Catheters
Retainers
Eyeglasses

Aircraft Maneuverability
Nitinol wires can be
used in applications
such as the actuators
for planes. Many use
bulky hydraulic
systems which are
expensive and need a
lot of maintenance.
USAF Aircraft
Pictures

Other Applications
Small incision tweezers
Eyeglass frames
Anti-scalding devices/Fire sprinklers
Household appliances
A deep fryer that lowers the basket into the old at a certain
temperature

Underwire bras
Prevent structural damage to bridges/buildings
Robots

LIMITATIONS
Fatigue from cycling
Causes deformations and grain boundaries
Begin to slip along planes/boundaries

Overstress
A load above 8% strain could cause the SMA to completely
lose its original austenite shape

Difficulty with computer programming

More expensive to manufacture than steel and
aluminum
Relatively new

References
http://www.mkt-intl.com/tungsten/images/niti_1.jpg
Shape Memory Alloys. University of Alberta
2001 SMA/MEMS Research Group
How Memory Metals Shape Product Design. Design
News June 1993
Ryhnen, Jorma. Biocompatibility evaluation of
nickel- titanium shape memory metal alloy. 2000
Lin, Richard. Shape Memory Alloys and Their
Applications.
Hornboden, E. Review Thermo-mechanical Fatigue of
Shape Memory Alloys. Journal of Material
Science. 2004
Martensitic Transformation. Encyclopedia of
Materials: Science and Technology. 2001

Thank you