Papers by Keyword: Shape Memory Alloy Actuator

Abstract: Metallic materials are widely used in medicine not only for orthopedic implants but also for cardiovascular devices and other purposes. New alloys for biomedical use are developed all over the world continuously to decrease corrosion, toxicity and fracture during implantation and increase interfacial and dynamical tissue compatibility. Most of efforts are made to develop titanium alloys, especially in β-type alloys whose Young’s modulus is as low as cortical bone. Nickel-free alloy is also necessary to prevent nickel allergy: nickel-free austenitic stainless steels and shape memory alloys are developed. To increase iocompatibility, the controls of surface morphology and surface treatment or modification are necessary.

Abstract: The magnetic shape-memory effect is a consequence of the coupling between magnetism and structure in ferromagnetic alloys undergoing a martensitic transformation. In these materials large reversible strains can be magnetically induced by the rearrangement of the martensitic twin-variant structure. Several Heusler and intermetallic alloys have been studied in connec- tion with this property. In this paper we will focus on the Ni-Mn-Ga Heusler alloy which is considered to be the prototypical magnetic shape-memory alloy. After a brief summary of the general properties of this class of materials, we will present recent results of relevance for the understanding of the effect of magnetism on the martensitic transformation. Finally, we will discuss the requirements for the occurrence of the magnetic shape-memory effect.

Abstract: Dynamic behavior of two types of martensitic transformations during tensile deformation of Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy single crystal has been investigated using an acoustic emission waveform analysis. Two kinds of martensitic transformations consist of β1 ⇔ β1′ (structural change of DO3 to 18R) and β1 ⇒ γ1′ (structural change of DO3 to 2H), each of which is called super-elastic and thermo-elastic martensitic transformations, respectively. These two types of martensitic transformations could be obtained during tensile deformation because of different heat treatment. The rise time at the source (the source rise time) in finite elastic solid by the modified Takashima’s method was analyzed using the acoustic emission waveform detected during the martensitic transformation. The mean source rise time to the γ1′ phase was smaller than that to the β1′ phase before yielding and became the same after yielding. The former result means that the nucleation of the γ1′ phase is faster than that of the β1′ phase because of different crystallographic structure. The latter result is that the growth rate of the γ1′ phase is the same as that of the β1′ phase.

Abstract: Substructure and structure formation as well as functional properties of thermomechanically treated Ti-Ni wire have been studied using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and mechanical. The low- temperature themomechanical treatment (LTMT) was carried out by rolling at room temperature in a true strain range e = 0.3 to 1.9. It was shown that severe plastic deformation (e=1.9) of Ti-50.0at.%Ni alloy results in partial amorphization and formation of nanocrystalline austenite structure during post-deformation annealings up to 400 °C. As a result, the fully recoverable strain and recovery stress become much higher than the values reachable after traditional LTMT (e=0.3 to 0.88) with post-deformation annealing which creates a poligonized dislocation substructure.

Abstract: Structure formation in TiNi-based shape memory alloys depending on deformation temperature (-196 °C to 400 °C) and pressure (4 to 8 GPa) under conditions of high-pressure torsion (HPT) was studied using TEM and X-ray diffraction methods. The tendency to form an amorphous structure depends on relative positions of the deformation temperature and Ms temperature. Isothermal martensitic transformation is observed in the Ti – 48.5 % Ni alloy as a result of 10-year keeping at RT after HPT. Increasing of pressure suppresses the tendency to form an amorphous structure. The upper deformation temperature limits for amorphous and nanocrystalline structures formation are determined. The thermomechanical conditions of the equal-channel angular pressing for obtaining actual nanocrystalline structure are recommended.

Abstract: In this paper, the TiNi fiber reinforced/PMMA (Poly methyl methacrylate) composite is developed, and its effectiveness of controlling fatigue crack growth is studied. The TiNi fiber reinforced/PMMA composite’s mechanical property enhancement and deformation resistance are also studied. The fatigue behavior and crack propagation are observed with a SEM servo-pulser (fatigue testing instrument with scanning electron microscope) while increasing temperature. As the results, it is confirmed that the fatigue life and resistance are improved. How the shape memory effect and expansion behavior of the matrix caused by temperature increasing affect the fatigue crack propagation control is examined. It is verified that the control of fatigue crack growth is attributed to the compressive stress field in the matrix due to shrinkage of the TiNi fibers above austenitic finishing temperature (Af).

Abstract: Mechanical behavior of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) containing Ni-Ti shape memory alloy (SMA) is investigated by experimental methods. Tensile and bending fracture tests were conducted to examine the strength of the composite for various volume fractions of the SMA. Charpy impact test was used to study the toughness of the SMA/CFRP hybrid composite. Finite element analysis was carried out for interface failure in bending test.

Abstract: This paper deals with shape memory alloy. As a first step to assess the applicability of this kind of alloy in a structural system, a tension bar made of this kind of alloy that exhibits pseudo-elasticity at room temperature is used herein as a passive bracing system. This paper describes sub-structure pseudo-dynamic tests on pseudo-elastic bracing system with hysteretic damper. A pseudo-elastic bracing system is better to be used with other hysteretic elements such as a hysteretic damper. A damper provides energy dissipation within small displacement levels, and a pseudo-elastic bracing system works in turn as a back-up/fail-safe system when an accidental failure of damper or damper interface occurs, and also it helps to pull back the structure to the original position by uninstalling the damper after earthquake.

Abstract: For the purpose of an application for a blood vessel holding actuator of thrombus detector, evaporation technique and film properties of TiNiCu ternary shape memory alloy (SMA) thin film was studied. The SMA thin film was formed on a sacrificial Cu substrate by using a flash evaporation technique, with which very small TiNiCu alloy pellets were evaporated repeatedly. With this evaporation technique, phase transformation temperature of the deposited thin film can be controlled by deposition timing after the each pellet starts to vaporize. When the interval time before the deposition was 0s, the deposited thin film became a super elastic alloy (SEA), which starts to deform below the human body temperature of 37°C. On the other hand, when the interval time was 1s or longer, the deposited thin film shows a shape recovery temperature of about 60°C. Fracture strength of the thin film was obtained at least 170MPa, that corresponds to a fracture force of 570mN for holding actuator of 0.6mm in width and 6µm in thickness. Although the SEA film was fragile, the SMA film at the interval time of 5s was flexible enough to be bendable to small radius of 0.15mm.