06-10-2012, 12:32 PM
SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS
shapememory.doc (Size: 182 KB / Downloads: 44)
INTRODUCTION
A shape memory alloy (SMA) (also known as memory metal or smart wire) is a metal that "remembers" its geometry. After a sample of SMA has been deformed from its "original" conformation, it regains its original geometry by itself during heating (one-way effect) or, at higher ambient temperatures, simply during unloading (pseudo-elasticity or superelasticity). These extraordinary properties are due to a temperature-dependent martensitic phase transformation from a low-symmetry to a highly symmetric crystallographic structure. Those crystal structures are known as martensite and austenite
The two unique properties described above are made possible through a solid state phase change, that is a molecular rearrangement, which occurs in the shape memory alloy. Typically when one thinks of a phase change a solid to liquid or liquid to gas change is the first idea that comes to mind. A solid state phase change is similar in that a molecular rearrangement is occurring, but the molecules remain closely packed so that the substance remains a solid. In most shape memory alloys, a temperature change of only about 10°C is necessary to initiate this phase change.The two phases, which occur in shape memory alloys, are Martensite, and Austenite. Martensite, is the relatively soft and easily deformed phase of shape memory alloys, which exists at lower temperatures. The molecular structure in this phase is twinned which is the configuration shown in the middle of Figure 2. Upon deformation this phase takes on the second form shown in Figure 2, on the right. Austenite, the stronger phase of shape memory alloys, occurs at higher temperatures. The shape of the Austenite structure is cubic, the structure shown on the left side of Figure 2. The un-deformed Martensite phase is the same size and shape as the cubic Austenite phase on a macroscopic scale, so that no change in size or shape is visible in shape memory alloys until the Martensite is deformed.
One way effect
Alloys that exhibit this effect only when heated are said to have a "one-way shape memory". This transformation sequence is illustrated below. Free recovery refers to applications in which the single function of the memory element is to cause motions or strains up to 8%
The shape memory effect is observed when the temperature of a piece of shape memory alloy is cooled to below the temperature Mf. At this stage the alloy is completely composed of Martensite which can be easily deformed. After distorting the SMA the original shape can be recovered simply by heating the wire above the temperature Af. The heat transferred to the wire is the power driving the molecular rearrangement of the alloy, similar to heat melting ice into water, but the alloy remains solid. The deformed Martensite is now transformed to the cubic Austenite phase, which is configured in the original shape of the wire.
APPLICATIONS
The unusual properties mentioned above are being applied to a wide variety of applications in a number of different fields. Other potential applications of SMAs are
almost too numerous to mention. They range from changing the of shape an aerofoil to make more efficient wings with reduced drag, to using the ability of SMAs to deform to absorb energy in a collision - a feature which is the subject of work at the National Science Foundation in the US, where researchers think SMAs could help buildings to absorb the forces generated in an earthquake.
Aircraft maneuverability
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.
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.
Bone plate
Bone plates are surgical tools, which are used to assist in the healing of broken and fractured bones. The breaks are first set and then held in place using bone plates in situations where casts cannot be applied to the injured area. Bone plates are often applied to fractures occurring to facial areas such the nose, jaw or eye sockets. Repairs like this fall into an area of medicine known as osteosynthesis.
Currently osteotemy equipment is made primarily of titanium and stainless steel. The broken bones are first surgically reset into their proper position. Then a plate is screwed onto the broken bones to hold them in place, while the bone heals back together. This method has been proven both successful and useful in treating all manner of breaks, however there are still some drawbacks. After initially placing the plate on the break or fracture the bones are compressed together and held under some slight pressure, which helps to speed up the healing process of the bone. Unfortunately, after only a couple of days the tension provided by the steel plate is lost and the break or fracture is no longer under compression, slowing the healing process.
shapememory.doc (Size: 182 KB / Downloads: 44)
INTRODUCTION
A shape memory alloy (SMA) (also known as memory metal or smart wire) is a metal that "remembers" its geometry. After a sample of SMA has been deformed from its "original" conformation, it regains its original geometry by itself during heating (one-way effect) or, at higher ambient temperatures, simply during unloading (pseudo-elasticity or superelasticity). These extraordinary properties are due to a temperature-dependent martensitic phase transformation from a low-symmetry to a highly symmetric crystallographic structure. Those crystal structures are known as martensite and austenite
The two unique properties described above are made possible through a solid state phase change, that is a molecular rearrangement, which occurs in the shape memory alloy. Typically when one thinks of a phase change a solid to liquid or liquid to gas change is the first idea that comes to mind. A solid state phase change is similar in that a molecular rearrangement is occurring, but the molecules remain closely packed so that the substance remains a solid. In most shape memory alloys, a temperature change of only about 10°C is necessary to initiate this phase change.The two phases, which occur in shape memory alloys, are Martensite, and Austenite. Martensite, is the relatively soft and easily deformed phase of shape memory alloys, which exists at lower temperatures. The molecular structure in this phase is twinned which is the configuration shown in the middle of Figure 2. Upon deformation this phase takes on the second form shown in Figure 2, on the right. Austenite, the stronger phase of shape memory alloys, occurs at higher temperatures. The shape of the Austenite structure is cubic, the structure shown on the left side of Figure 2. The un-deformed Martensite phase is the same size and shape as the cubic Austenite phase on a macroscopic scale, so that no change in size or shape is visible in shape memory alloys until the Martensite is deformed.
One way effect
Alloys that exhibit this effect only when heated are said to have a "one-way shape memory". This transformation sequence is illustrated below. Free recovery refers to applications in which the single function of the memory element is to cause motions or strains up to 8%
The shape memory effect is observed when the temperature of a piece of shape memory alloy is cooled to below the temperature Mf. At this stage the alloy is completely composed of Martensite which can be easily deformed. After distorting the SMA the original shape can be recovered simply by heating the wire above the temperature Af. The heat transferred to the wire is the power driving the molecular rearrangement of the alloy, similar to heat melting ice into water, but the alloy remains solid. The deformed Martensite is now transformed to the cubic Austenite phase, which is configured in the original shape of the wire.
APPLICATIONS
The unusual properties mentioned above are being applied to a wide variety of applications in a number of different fields. Other potential applications of SMAs are
almost too numerous to mention. They range from changing the of shape an aerofoil to make more efficient wings with reduced drag, to using the ability of SMAs to deform to absorb energy in a collision - a feature which is the subject of work at the National Science Foundation in the US, where researchers think SMAs could help buildings to absorb the forces generated in an earthquake.
Aircraft maneuverability
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.
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.
Bone plate
Bone plates are surgical tools, which are used to assist in the healing of broken and fractured bones. The breaks are first set and then held in place using bone plates in situations where casts cannot be applied to the injured area. Bone plates are often applied to fractures occurring to facial areas such the nose, jaw or eye sockets. Repairs like this fall into an area of medicine known as osteosynthesis.
Currently osteotemy equipment is made primarily of titanium and stainless steel. The broken bones are first surgically reset into their proper position. Then a plate is screwed onto the broken bones to hold them in place, while the bone heals back together. This method has been proven both successful and useful in treating all manner of breaks, however there are still some drawbacks. After initially placing the plate on the break or fracture the bones are compressed together and held under some slight pressure, which helps to speed up the healing process of the bone. Unfortunately, after only a couple of days the tension provided by the steel plate is lost and the break or fracture is no longer under compression, slowing the healing process.