Shape Memory

Alloys

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

Shape Memory Alloy

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
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
the planes.

Phase Changes in NiTi

(2001 SMA/MEMS Research Group)

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)

Flexible Nitinol wires.

University of Alberta

Wires have the ability to flex the robotic muscles according

to electric pulses sent through the wire.

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.
0.0010 inch diameter wire can lift 7 grams in 1 second
with a 20 mA current.
0.010 inch diameter wire can lift 930 grams in 1
second with a 1 A current.
Wires are also made to change states at different
temperatures generally between -30 C and 120 C
within 5 C.

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 non-ferromagnetic
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

Typical actuator in the wing of a plane.

University of Alberta

Picture of wing with SMA wires.

University of Alberta

The wires in the picture are used to replace

the actuator. Electric pulses sent through
the wires allow for precise movement of the
wings, as would be needed in an aircraft.
This reduces the need for maintenance,
weighs less, and is less costly.

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

Problems With SMAs

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 nickeltitanium 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