A

SEMINAR REPORT
ON

SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS

SUBMITTED BY:

ROHIT KUMAR DAS

ROLL NO. – 0704040
REGD. NO. – 0701210383
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

GANDHI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

 CONTENTS

1. Introduction to Shape Memory Alloys

2. Properties of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA)
3. Applications
4. Fabrication
5. Limitations and Further scope
6. Conclusion
 INTRODUCTION

Shape memory alloys: As apart of Smart materials

Science and technology have made amazing developments in the design of

electronics and machinery using standard materials, which do not have
particularly special properties (i.e. steel, aluminum, gold). Imagine the range of
possibilities, which exist for special materials that have properties scientists can
manipulate. Some such materials have the ability to change shape or size simply
by adding a little bit of heat, or to change from a liquid to a solid almost instantly
when near a magnet; these materials are called smart materials.

Smart materials have one or more properties that can be dramatically altered.
Most everyday materials have physical properties, which cannot be significantly
altered; for example if oil is heated it will become a little thinner, whereas a
smart material with variable viscosity may turn from a fluid which flows easily to
a solid. A variety of smart materials already exist, and are being researched
extensively. These include piezoelectric materials, magneto-rheostatic materials,
electro-rheostatic materials, and shape memory alloys. Some everyday items are
already incorporating smart materials (coffeepots, cars, the International Space
Station, eyeglasses) and the number of applications for them is growing steadily.

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SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS
Shape memory alloys (SMA's) are alloys like NiTi alloy, which exhibit two very
unique properties, pseudo-elasticity, and the shape memory effect. Pseudo-
elasticity is the rubber like flexibility shown by these alloys and shape memory
effect is ability of the alloys to regain the original shape by heating after severe
deformation. Due to these unique properties these alloys are known as Shape
Memory alloys.
Arne Olander first bserved these unusual properties in 1938 (Oksuta and
Wayman 1998), but not until the 1960's were any serious research advances
made in the field of shape memory alloys. The most effective and widely used
alloys include NiTi (Nickel - Titanium), CuZnAl, and CuAlNi.

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 PROPERTIES OF SHAPE MEMORY
ALLOYS

General Properties
A NiTi shape memory metal alloy can exist in two different temperature-
dependent crystal structures (phases) called martensite (lower temperature) and
austenite (higher temperature or parent phase). Several properties of austenite
NiTi and martensite NiTi are notably different. When martensite NiTi is heated, it
begins to change into austenite (Fig. 1). The temperature at which this
phenomenon starts is called austenite start temperature (As ). The temperature at
which this phenomenon is complete is called austenite finish temperature (Af ).
When austenite NiTi is cooled, it begins to change into martensite. The
temperature at which this phenomenon starts is called martensite start
temperature (Ms ). The temperature at which martensite is again completely
reverted is called martensite finish temperature (Mf ) [BUEHLER et al., 1967].
The composition and metallurgical treatments have dramatic impacts on the
above transition temperatures. From the point of view of practical applications, NiTi
can have three different forms: martensite, stress-induced martensite (superelastic),
and austenite. When the material is in its martensite form, it is soft and ductile and
can be easy deformed. Superelastic NiTi is highly elastic (rubber-like), while austenitic
NiTi is quite strong and hard (similar to titanium) (Fig.2). The NiTi material has all
these properties, their specific expression depending on the temperature in which it
is used. In Fig. 1 Md represents the highest temperature to straininduced martensite
and the grey area represents the area of optimal superelasticity.

Hysteresis
The temperature range for the martensite-to-austenite transformation, i.e. soft-
to-hard transition that takes place upon heating is somewhat higher than that for
the reverse transformation upon cooling (Fig.1). The difference between the
transition temperatures upon heating and cooling is called hysteresis. Hysteresis is
generally defined as the difference between the temperatures at which the
material is in 50% transformed to austenite upon heating and in 50% transformed
to martensite upon cooling. This difference can be up to 20–30 .
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Fig. 1. Martensitic transformation and Fig. 2. Stress-strain

behavior of different phases
Hysterisis of NiTi at constant
temperature

Thermoelastic Martensitic Transformation

The unique behavior of NiTi is based on the temperature-dependent austenite-
to-martensite phase transformation on an atomic scale, which is also called
thermoelastic martensitic transformation. The thermoelastic martensitic
transformation causing the shape recovery is a result of the need of the crystal
lattice structure to accommodate to the minimum energy state for a given
temperature [OTSUKA etal., 1998].

In NiTi, the relative symmetries between the two phases lead to a highly ordered
transformation, where the displacements of individual atoms can be accurately
predicted and eventually lead to a shape change on a macroscopic scale. The
crystal structure of martensite is relatively less symmetric compared to that of the
parent phase. If a single crystal of the parent phase is cooled below Mf , then
martensite variants with a total of 24 crystallographically equivalent habit planes
are generally created. There is, however, only one possible parent phase
(austenite) orientation, and all martensitic configurations revert to that single
defined structure and shape upon heating above Af. The mechanism by which
single martensite variants deform is called twinning, and it can be described as a
mirror symmetry displacement of atoms across a particular atom-plane, the
twinning plane.

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While most metals can be deformed by slip or dislocation, NiTi responds to stress
by simply changing the orientation of its crystal structure through the movement
of twin boundaries. A NiTi specimen will deform until it consists only of the
correspondence variant, which produces maximum strain. However, deformation
beyond this will result in classical plastic deformation by slip, which is
irrecoverable and therefore has no ‘memory effect’. If the deformation is halted
midway, the specimen will contain several different correspondence variants. If
such a specimen is heated above Af , a parent phase with an orientation identical
to that existing prior to the deformation is created from the correspondence
variants in accordance with the lattice
correspondences between the original parent phase and each variant (Fig.3). The
austenite crystal structure is a simple cubic structure, while martensite has a
more complex rhombic structure. This phenomenon causes the specimen to
revert completely to the shape had before the deformation [GIL et al., 1998].

The above phenomenon is the basis of such special properties as the shape
memory effect and superelasticity.

Shape Memory Effect

NiTi senses a change in ambient temperature and is able to convert its shape to a
preprogrammed structure. While NiTi is soft and easily deformable in its lower
temperature form (martensite), it resumes its original shape and rigidity when
heated to its higher temperature form (austenite) (Fig.3). This is called the one-
way shape memory effect. The ability of shape memory alloys to recover a preset
shape upon heating above the transformation temperatures and to return to a
certain alternate shape upon cooling is known as the two-way shape memory
effect. Two-way memory is exceptional. There is also an all-round shape memory
effect, which is a special case of the two-way shape memory effect [SHIMIZU et
al., 1987].
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Fig. 3. Transformation from the austenite to the martensite phase and shape memory effect

Superelasticity
Superelasticity (or pseudoelasticity) refers to the ability of NiTi to return to its
original shape upon unloading after a substantial deformation. This is based on
stress-induced martensite formation. The application of an outer stress causes
martensite to form at temperatures higher than Ms . The macroscopic
deformation is accommodated by the formation of martensite. When the stress is
released, the martensite transforms back into austenite and the specimen returns
back to its original shape (Fig.4). Superelastic NiTi can be strained several times
more than ordinary metal alloys without being plastically deformed, which
reflects its rubberlike behavior. It is, however, only observed over a specific
temperature area. The highest temperature at which martensite can no longer
stress induced is called Md . Above Md NiTi alloy is deformed like ordinary
materials by slipping. Below As , the material is martensitic and does not recover.
Thus, superelasticity appears in a temperature range from near Af and up to Md .
The largest ability to recover occurs close to Af [DUERING et al., 1996].
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Limitations of Shape Memory and Superelastic Behavior
About 8% strain can be recovered by unloading and heating. Strain above
the limiting value will remain as a permanent plastic deformation. The operating
temperature for shape memory devices must not move significantly away from
the transformation range, or else the shape memory characteristics may be
altered. A NiTi shape memory must be deformed at a temperature below As .
Moreover, the deformation limit determined by distinctive design (sharp angles,
etc.) and the intrinsic strain tolerance of NiTi material must not be disregarded
[OTSUKA et al., 1998].

Mechanical Properties of NiTi

Generally, there are two basic mechanical demands for the material and
design of the mechanisms. Service stresses must be safely below the yield
strength of the material, and in cyclic loads the service stress must be kept below
the fatigue limit. The mechanical properties of NiTi depend on its phase state at a
certain temperature [BUEHLER et al. 1967] (Fig. 3). The common mechanical
properties of martensitic and austenitic NiTi are presented in Table 1.

Selected mechanical properties of NiTi

Austenite Martensite
 Ultimate tensile strength (Mpa) 800–1500 103–1100
 Tensile yield strength (MPa) 100–800 50–300
 Modulus of elasticity (GPa) 70–110 21–69
  Elongation at failure (%) 1–20 Up to 60

FABRICATION
Solid NiTi alloys are manufactured by a double vacuum melting process, to ensure
the quality, purity and properties of the material. After the formulation of raw
materials, the alloy is vacuum induction melted (1400.C). After the initial melting,
the alloy transition temperature must be controlled due to the sensitivity of the
transition temperature to small changes in the alloy chemistry. This is followed by
vacuum arc re-melting to improve the chemistry, homogeneity and structure of
the alloy. Double-melted ingots can be hot-worked (800.C) and cold-worked to a
wide range of product sizes and shapes.

Porous NiTi can be made by sintering or using self-propagating high temperature

synthesis, also called ignition synthesis. The possibility to make composite SMA
products (combination with polymers) is under investigation.
Metal Injection Moulding Method
As near net shape process, Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) is one of the most
promising powder metallurgical methods for NiTi alloys. While for HIP and VPS
both elemental powders and pre-alloyed powders are sufficient, for MIM only
pre-alloyed powders can be used. By MIM - a process similar to polymer injection
moulding - the manufacturing of complex shaped parts is possible. The powders
are mixed with sufficient organic binders. Complex shaped parts are formed by
moulding. After sintering at temperatures near the melting point of the alloys,
densities of 95% of the theoretical density can be achieved. The control of
moulding parameters such as nozzle temperature or moulding pressure is
important to achieve high quality specimens with homogeneous density. De-
binding and sintering have to be done in protective atmosphere or vacuum to
keep the impurity level as low as possible since it is well know that oxygen and
carbon content affect the phase transformation temperature and the mechanical
properties. First experiments with a hollow cylinder shows the potential for MIM
parts as tube connecting rods. Such rods - commonly produced by cutting and
drilling - are of some interest for aviation applications.
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Further work has to focus on the optimization of the microstructure and the
increase in mechanical strength of such parts. Test geometries for the
demonstration of the functionality of MIM parts in medical applications are under
development.

Applications
         Aerospace and naval applications - Nitonol fluid fittings or coupling have are
being used in military aircraft and naval craft.
         Medical Applications - Tweezers for removing foreign objects via small
incisions, anchors for tendon fixation and stents for cardiovascular applications
         Dentistry - Orthodontic wires, which no not need to be retightened and
adjusted
         Safety devices - Safety valves/actuators to control water temperature and
fire sprinklers
         Other uses include:
 Spectacle frames
 Household appliances and deep fryers
 Clothing including underwire brassieres
 Vibration control in the form of engine mounts and actuators for
buildings
 Fasteners, seals, connectors and clamps
 Mobile telephone antennae
Aerospace Applications
Aircraft maneuverability depends heavily on the movement of flaps found at the
rear or trailing edge of the wings. The efficiency and reliability of operating these
flaps is of critical importance.
Most aircraft in the air today operate these flaps using extensive hydraulic
systems. These hydraulic systems utilize large centralized pumps to maintain
pressure, and hydraulic lines to distribute the pressure to the flap actuators. In
order to maintain reliability of operation, multiple hydraulic lines must be run to
each set of flaps. This complex system of pumps and lines is often relatively
difficult and costly to maintain.
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Many alternatives to the hydraulic systems are being explored by the aerospace
industry. Among the most promising alternatives are piezoelectric fibers,
electrostrictive ceramics, and shape memory alloys.
The flaps on a wing generally have the same layout shown on the left, with a large
hydraulic system like the one shown in Figure 2 attached to it at the point of the
actuator connection. "Smart" wings, which incorporate shape memory alloys, are
typically like the wing shown in Figure 3, this system is much more compact and
efficient, in that the shape memory wires only require an electric current for
movement.

Figure 1: Typical Wing and Flap Figure 2: Electromechanical Actuator

Figure 3: Hinge less shape memory alloy Flap

The shape memory wire is used to manipulate a flexible wing surface. The wire on
the bottom of the wing is shortened through the shape memory effect, while the
top wire is stretched bending the edge downwards, the opposite occurs when the
wing must be bent upwards. The shape memory effect is induced in the wires
simply by heating them with an electric current, which is easily supplied through
electrical wiring, eliminating the need for large hydraulic lines. By removing the
hydraulic system, aircraft weight, maintenance costs, and repair time are all
reduced. The smart wing system is currently being developed cooperatively
through the Defense Advanced Researched Project Agency (DARPA, a branch of
the United States Department of Defense), and Boeing.
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LIMITATIONS

 Manufacturing Nightmare

 Very Sensitive for change of composition

 High reactivity of Titanium.

 Frequent heat treatment after cold working.

 Component Design

 Mechanical and Physical properties change drastically with

composition.

 High Cost
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CONCLUSION

• The unique properties of Shape memory Alloys facilitate their use in diverse
fields

• Shape Memory Alloys have rubber like flexibility and strength at par with
any other alloys.

• They are useful in actuators mechanisms because they can work both as
sensors and actuators.

• Major potential application-

• use SMAs with Microelectromechancal (MEM) devices the

development of actuators.

• vibration dampers. - as Shape Memory Energy Absorbers.

• Development in technology will reduce the hardships in manufacturing
SMAs and in turn will reduce the high cost associated with SMAs.

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REFERENCES

 http://www.wikipedia.com
 http://www.howstuffswork.com
 www.google.com
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