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ABSTRACT

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) belong to a class of shape memory materials (SMMs), which have
the ability to „memorize‟ or retain their previous form when subjected to certain stimulus such as
thermo mechanical or magnetic variations. SMAs have drawn significant attention and interest in
recent years in a broad range of commercial applications, due to their unique and superior
properties; this commercial development has been supported by fundamental and applied
research studies. This work describes the attributes of SMAs that make them ideally suited to
actuators in various applications, and addresses their applications and associated limitations to
clarify the design challenges faced by SMA developers. With the increased emphasis on both
reliability and multi-functionality in the aerospace industry, active materials are fast becoming an
enabling technology capturing the attention of an increasing number of engineers. This study
reviews the applicability of these properties of shape memory alloys in aerospace and other
fields. This study also gives a review of the actuation mechanism using shape memory alloys.

Keywords: Shape Memory Alloys, Austenite, Martensite

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CONTENTS

Sr.No Particulars Pg. No

 Abstract 1

 List of Figures 3

1 Introduction 4

2 Literature Review 5

3 Austenite and Martensite 7

3.1 Austenite 7
3.2 Martensite 7
4 Austenite to Martensite Transformation 8

4.1 Martensitic Transformation 8

4.2 SMA Stress Temperature Interdependence 9
5 Engineering Effects of SMAs 10

5.1 The Shape Memory Effect 10

5.2 The Pseudo elastic Effect 12
6 SMA as actuators 14

6.1 Nitinol Wires 14

6.2 Plastic Deformation of SMA Wires 14
6.3 Actuator Concept in adjusting trailing edge of helicopters 15
7 Applications of SMAs 20

7.1 Fixed wing aircraft 20

7.2 Boeing variable geometry Chevron 22
7.3 Biomedical Applications 22
8 Conclusions 24

9 References 26

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LIST OF FIGURES

Sr.No Description Pg. No

1 Crystalline Structure of Austenite and Martensite 7

2 SMA Stress-temperature phase diagram 9

3 Phase diagram schematic highlighting stress-free SME, isobaric 10

SME, and isothermal pseudo elastic loading paths.
4 Experimental stress–strain–temperature curve of a NiTi SMA 11
illustrating the shape memory effect (NiTiCu, Texas A&M
University)
5 Experimental results for a single isothermal pseudo elastic loading 12
cycle
6 Plastic Deformation of SMA wires 15

7 Schematic diagram of an aerofoil section with a tab actuated using 16

SMA wires.
8 Trailing-edge tab deflecting downward due to bottom SMA wire 17
activation
9 Trailing-edge tab deflecting downward due to bottom SMA wire 18
activation
10 Schematic diagram of a SMA-spring actuator 18

11 Total view of the SMA torque tube as installed in the model wing 20
during phase I of the SMART Wing project
12 The SAMPSON F-15 inlet cowl as installed in the NASA Langley 21
Transonic Wind Tunnel
13 Boeing variable geometry chevron, flight testing 22

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1. INTRODUCTION

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are metallic alloys that undergo solid-to-solid phase
transformations induced by appropriate temperature and/or stress changes and during which they
can recover seemingly permanent strains. Such alloys include NiTi, NiTiCu, CuAlNi, and many
other metallic alloy systems. The phase transformation of an SMA is unique because such
transformation is accompanied by large recoverable strains that have the potential to result in
significant stresses when the material element is sufficiently constrained. Such strains are
referred to as transformation strains and are in addition to standard thermo elastic strains.
Because of their ability to recover strain in the presence of stress, SMAs are included in the class
of materials known as active materials, which also includes piezoelectric, magneto restrictive
materials, and shape memory polymers, among others. SMAs provide high actuation forces and
displacements compared to other active materials, though at relatively low frequencies.

Although they have been around for over half a century, new applications continue to be
developed for SMAs. Many of these applications are intended to serve the needs of the
biomedical industry while others are intended for use in consumer products. However, the
aerospace industry is actively pursuing the development of new SMA technologies as well as
assimilation of SMAs into existing systems. An SMA component, being both structural and
active, can effectively reduce the complexity of a system when compared to the same system
utilizing standard technology (i.e. an electromechanical or hydraulic actuator).

This increased simplicity gained by trading multiple moving parts for a single active element can
lead to higher overall reliability, especially at low cycles. Such an integration of structure and
actuator can also be accomplished in a compact arrangement. This compact integration is
possible due to the high actuation stresses and strains generated, leading to high energy density.
These beneficial attributes make SMAs an attractive active material candidate as the aerospace
industry continues to push for so-called „smart‟ structures and „intelligent‟ systems.

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW:

The concept and the wide applications of shape memory alloys are the result of the
Martensitic transformation occurring between austenite and martensite. Dr.V.D.Kodgire &
S.V.Kodgire [9] have clearly given the basics of this transformation through appropriate
crystal structures. The phase changes and the crystallographic study is demonstrated through
equilibrium diagrams.

Jeanette J Epps and Inderjit Chopra [5] describe the concept, design, fabrication and control of
a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuator for tracking helicopter rotor blades while in-flight.
A NACA 0012 wing section that has a 12 in chord and span was constructed with a trailing-
edge tab with a 4 in span and a 2.4 in chord. A shape memory alloy wire actuator was
embedded into the wing section. The actuator consists of a wire clamp, a hinge tube and
several pre-strained 0.015 in diameter SMA (Nitinol) wires. It is shown that with SMA wires
that have 3.158% initial pre-strain, a tab deflection of 29◦ could be obtained.

Jaronie Mohd Jania.et.al [4] in their work have given a brief summary of SMA, its design
feasibility and the variety of SMA applications. SMA applications are divided into several
sections based on the application domain, such as automotive, aerospace, robotics and
biomedical, as well in other areas. Most of the work presented here has an emphasis on NiTi
SMAs, but other forms or types of smart material such as high temperature shape memory
alloys (HTSMAs), magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs), SMM thin film (e.g. NiTi thin
film) and shape memory polymers (SMPs) are also discussed. Brian Patrick Trease [3] has
compared different types of actuators in practice on the main characteristics: force,
displacement, frequency.

D J Hartl and D C Lagoudas [2] give a review of the current scenario of the applicability of
the shape memory alloys in the field of aerospace. The shape memory effect, Pseudoelasticity
and the stress temperature relationships are reviewed for Nitinol wires. Also it addresses the
applications for both atmospheric earth flight as well as space flight. The Smart Wing
Program and the SAMPSON projects depict the use of shape memory effect. Applications
which apply specifically to the propulsion systems and structural configurations of fixed wing
aircraft are explained.

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The following table gives the overview of the different parameters accessed from
different literatures studied:
Sr.No Author Name Name of the Paper/Book Parameters Accessed
01 Dr.V.D.Kodgire& S.V.Kodgire. MS & Metallurgy Basics of Martensite and
Everest Publication. Austenite

02 D J Hartl and D C Lagoudas Aerospace applications of Aerospace applications :

shape memory alloys Smart Wing Program
and SAMPSON
03 JaronieMohdJania, Martin Leary A review of shape memory Engineering Effects of
a, Aleksandar Subic alloy research, applications Shape Memory alloys;
&opportunities Biomedical Applications
04 Jeanette J Epps and Inderjit In-flight tracking of helicopter Actuation of Nitinol
Chopra rotor blades using shape wires used in tracking
memory alloy actuators the trailing edge in
helicopters
05 Brian Patrick Trease A Survey and Comparison of Comparison of SMAs
Smart Material Linear with other actuators.
Actuators Design challenges.
06 Dieter Stoeckel THE SHAPE MEMORY Applicability of shape
EFFECT • Phenomenon, memory effect and
Alloys and Applications pseudo elasticity and
future trends in SMAs
07 E.T.F. Chaua,, C.M. Friend a, A technical and economic Aerospace applications
D.M. Allen a, J. Hora a, J.R. appraisal of shape memory and experimental study
Webster b alloys for aerospace of Nitinol wires
applications
08 A.Y.N. Sofla a, S.A. Meguid a, Shape morphing of aircraft Need of shape
K.T. Tan b, W.K. Yeo wing: Status and challenges morphing.

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3. AUSTENITE AND MARTENSITE

3.1 Austenite:

Austenite is referred as high temperature or the parent phase. It is named after Sir William
Chandler Roberts-Austen. It is a metallic, non-magnetic solid solution of iron and an alloying
element. In plain carbon steel, austenite exists above the critical eutectoid temperature of 1000
K. It exhibits a cubic crystalline structure.

3.2 Martensite:

Martensite, named after the German metallurgist Adolf Martens, is any crystal structure that is
formed by displaced transformation, as opposed to much slower diffusive transformations. It
includes a class of hard minerals occurring as lath or plate shaped crystal grains. When viewed in
cross section, the lens shaped crystal grains appear needle shaped. Martensite most commonly
refers to a very hard constituent of steel. It is formed by rapid cooling (quenching) of austenite
which traps carbon atoms that do not have time to diffuse out of the crystal structure

Fig.1 Crystalline Structure of Austenite and Martensite

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4. AUSTENITE TO MARTENSITE TRANSFORMATION

4.1 Martensitic Transformation:

The phase transformation plays the key role in the SMA‟s unique behavior. The martensitic
transformation converts the material between two particular phases, namely austenite and
martensite. The martensitic transformation is a shear-dominant, diffusion less transformation that
occurs via the nucleation and growth of the martensitic phase from the parent austenitic phase.
The transformation from austenite to martensite may lead to twinned martensite in the absence of
internal and external stresses or detwinned martensite if such stresses exist at a sufficient level.
Because the transformation from austenite to twinned martensite results in negligible
macroscopic shape change, twinned martensite is often referred to as self-accommodated
martensite. The reorientation of twinned martensite into detwinned martensite can take place
under the application of sufficient stress.

Although SMAs can be fabricated in a single crystal form, the vast majority of SMA applications
use polycrystalline components. In polycrystals, the crystallographic effects described above are
observed in each individual grain and the total macroscopic response of the material is based on
the combined response of all grains. This micromechanical „averaging‟ leads to a smoother
material response as different grains experience transformation at different points in thethermo
mechanical loading path due to variation in orientation and local stress concentrations.

4.2 SMA Stress Temperature Interdependence:

The transformation from austenite to martensite begins, in the absence of stress, at a
temperature known as the martensitic start temperature (Ms). The transformation continues
to evolve as the temperature is lowered until the martensitic finish temperature (Mf) is
reached. When the SMA is heated from the martensitic phase in the absence of stress, the
reverse transformation (martensite to austenite) begins at the austenitic start temperature
(As), and upon reaching the austenitic finish temperature (Af), the material is purely
austenite. There is often a hysteresis between the transformation regions As to Af and Ms to
Mf, as can be seen on the temperature axis in Fig. 2. The transformation into austenite will
always complete at a higher temperature than the transformation into martensite (Af >Mf).

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An important characteristic of SMAs is that the temperatures at which the martensitic

transformation begins and ends vary with stress and this is schematically represented in Fig.
2. Though they are not strictly linear, the overall slope of the transformation lines in stress–
temperature space is often referred to as the stress-rate or the stress influence coefficient .To
help an analyst or designer identify which phase is present at a given thermo mechanical
state, a phase diagram is constructed, which illustrates the stress dependence of the
martensitic transformation temperatures. This is schematically represented in Fig. 2. Some
distinct partitions of the phase diagram indicate where phases are expected to exist in pure
form, and other regions indicate where transformation from one phase to another will occur
and where two or more phases can coexist.

Fig.2 SMA Stress-temperature phase diagram. [7]

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5. ENGINEERING EFFECTS OF SMAs:

5.1 The Shape Memory Effect:

Recovery of the seemingly permanent deformation observed during detwinning is associated

with the phenomenon known as the stress-free SME. The nature of the SME can be better
understood by following the process depicted in the stress–temperature phase diagram,
schematically shown in Fig. 3. This loading path is experimentally exemplified in σ–ε–T space in
Fig. 4, which shows an actual loading path for a NiTi wire actuator captured during
experimentation

Fig. 3 Phase diagram schematic highlighting stress-free SME, isobaric SME, and
isothermal pseudo elastic loading paths[1]

At the start of the loading path (indicated by A in Figs 3 and 4) the SMA is in its parent
austenitic phase. In the absence of applied stress, the SMA will transform upon cooling into
martensite in the twinned or self-accommodated configuration (Indicated by B in Figs 2 and 3).
As stress is applied causing the martensitic phase to be reoriented into a fully detwinned state,
deformation takes place and large macroscopic strains are observed (indicated by C in Figs 3 and

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4). The magnitude of this strain is in the order of 8 per cent for some NiTi alloys. Upon
unloading, the elastic portion of the total strains recovered while the inelastic strain arising from
the detwinning process remains due to the stability of detwinned martensite. This point is
indicated by D in Figs 3 and 4. Upon heating the SMA at zero stress, the reverse transformation
to the austenitic parent phase begins when the temperature reaches As(point E), and is completed
at temperature Af (point F, Figs 3 and 4

Fig. 4 Experimental stress–strain–temperature curve of a NiTi SMA illustrating the shape

memory effect (NiTiCu, Texas A&M University)[1]

The inelastic strain due to reorientation is recovered, and thus the original shape (before
deformation B–C) is regained. In this case, the formation of any non-recoverable plastic strain
has been neglected. Therefore, point A is equivalent to point F in terms of the state of the
material. It is this reversion to an original or „remembered‟ shape that inspired the names „SMA‟.

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Note that subsequent cooling in the absence of stress will again result in twinned martensite with
no substantial shape change in a manner identical to loading path A–B previously described.

5.2 The Pseudoelastic effect:

A second commonly utilized phenomenon observed in SMAs is the pseudoelastic effect. This
behavior is associated with stress-induced detwinned martensite (SIM) and subsequent reversal
to austenite upon unloading. The transformation from austenite to detwinned martensite during
pseudoelastic loading is analogous to the reorientation of twinned martensite into detwinned
martensite during detwinning from the point of view that, in both cases, recoverable inelastic
strains are created. However, in the case of the pseudoelastic effect, the starting phase is
austenite, and there is an actual phase transformation that takes place under the influence of
stress.

Fig.5 Experimental results for a single isothermal pseudo elastic loading cycle[4]

Any load path which includes formation of SIM and begins and ends in the austenitic region
results in the pseudoelastic effect. Initially, the material is in the austenitic phase (point 1 in Fig
5).The simultaneous transformation and detwinning of the martensite starts at point 2 and results

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in fully transformed and detwinned martensite (point 3). Continued loading will lead to elastic
deformation of the detwinned martensite. Upon unloading, the reverse transformation starts
when point 4 is reached. By the end of the unloading plateau (point 5), the material is again in
the austenitic phase and upon unloading to zero stress all elastic strain (εel) and transformation
strain (εt) is recovered. Only plastic strain (εp), if generated, remains.

A hysteretic loop is obtained in the loading/ unloading stress–strain diagram. If the applied stress
exceeds the critical value σMf , then the width of the hysteresis loop, less any accumulated non-
recoverable plastic strain, is representative of the maximum amount of recoverable strain which
can be produced due to stress-induced phase transformation from austenite to martensite (εt).
Another important material characteristic observed in Fig.5 is the residual plastic strain (εpl) of
∼0.6 per cent seen remaining at the end of the loading cycle.

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6. SMA as Actuators:

6.1: Nitinol Wires:

Nickel Titanium or Nitinol a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, where the two elements are
present in roughly equal atomic percentages e.g. Nitinol 55, Nitinol 60.Nitinol alloys exhibit two
closely related and unique properties: shape memory effect (SME) and super elasticity (SE; also
called pseudo elasticity, PE). Shape memory is the ability of Nitinol to undergo deformation at
one temperature, and then recover its original, undeformed shape upon heating above its
"transformation temperature". Super elasticity occurs at a narrow temperature range just above
its transformation temperature; in this case, no heating is necessary to cause the undeformed
shape to recover, and the material exhibits enormous elasticity, some 10-30 times that of
ordinary metal. There are four commonly used types of applications for Nitinol:

 Free recovery: Nitinol is deformed at a low temperature, and heated to recover its
original shape through the Shape Memory effect.
 Constrained recovery: As for free recovery, except that recovery is rigidly prevented
and thus a stress is generated.
 Work production: Here the alloy is allowed to recover, but to do so it must act against a
force (thus doing work).
 Super elasticity: Nitinol acts as a super spring through the super elastic effect.

6.2 Plastic Deformation of SMA Wires:

Plastic deformation strains on the order of 6–8% can be recovered as a result of its reversible
phase transformation characteristics An important behavioral aspect based on the SME occurs
when a segment of SMA wire is plastically elongated (pre-strained or plastically deformed), in
the room temperature phase (martensite phase) and mechanically constrained at both ends.
Initially, the material is in the martensite phase. Upon heat activation to the high-temperature
phase (austenite phase), the SMA will try to recover the pre-strain because of the SME, however,
due to the mechanical constraints, a tensile force develops instead. On the other hand, if the heat
activated, plastically elongated wire is partially restrained, then the magnitude of the recovery
stress decreases. In case where one end of the SMA wire is free, when heat activated, no

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constraining force develops, however the plastic deformation is recovered. When one end is
connected to a spring then in this case, when heat activated the magnitude of the recovery stress
induced is dependent on the spring constant, k, and the plastic deformation is partially recovered.

Fig.6 Plastic Deformation of SMA wires

6.3 Actuator Concept in adjusting trailing edge of helicopters:

Helicopters encounter vibratory loads from different sources such as blade dissimilarity and the
aerodynamic environment. Blade dissimilarities, in the form of structural, inertial or
aerodynamic, among helicopter blades can cause a tremendous increase in vibratory forces
(primarily at 1/rev frequency), lower fatigue life of components and yield less acceptable
handling qualities. Currently, to overcome this problem, inshop tracking of blades is done
periodically resulting in a significant increase in operating cost and helicopter downtime.
Tracking is performed manually by adjusting the trailing-edge tabs of helicopter blades in an
iterative manner or by adjusting the pitch links.

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Actuation of a trailing-edge tab is achieved using the shape memory effect. As stated earlier, the
shape memory effect involves plastically deforming a segment of SMA and then recovering the
prescribed pre-strain during transformation via heat activation. A schematic diagram showing the
concept of the tab actuator is shown in figure 7. In the diagram, an upper set and a lower set of
SMA wires, fixed at one end and connected to a hinge tube at the other end, are used to actuate a
tab. Both sets of wires are assumed to have the same initial length (prior to plastic deformation)
of L, the same initial plastic deformation, ε0, and cross sectional area. This is done so that
stresses and strains in the model are related to the same values of length and cross sectional areas
and to reduce complexity in the model.

The tab deflection concept is described in fig 8 to deflect the tab downward; the lower wires are
heated while the upper wires remain at ambient conditions. When heated, the lower wires
contract due to the SME, recovering a portion of their pre-strain and developing a constraining
force. The force produces a clockwise moment about the hinge tube‟s shaft axis, rotating the
hinge tube and, consequently, deflecting the tab downward. The upper wires, at room
temperature, are elongated the same amount that the lower wires contract. Note that the plastic
deformation of the upper wires is increased by the amount that they are elongated. As the wires
are elongated, their load–displacement characteristics dictate the amount of force that the system
develops.

Fig 7 Schematic diagram of an airfoil section with a tab actuated using SMA wires.[5]

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Fig 8. Trailing-edge tab deflecting downward due to bottom SMA wire activation [5]

Figure 9 describes the loading phenomenon of the actuator, as one wire is heat activated.
Consider the case where there is one lower heated SMA wire and one upper non-heated SMA
wire. In the figure, the idealized loading curves of the heated and non-heated wires are shown.
The dashed line represents the stress–strain (load–displacement) behavior of a segment of SMA
at ambient conditions and loaded at a quasi-static rate. The full curves represent the idealized
load/displacement path of the heated and non-heated wires with the arrows designating the path.
In this case, both wires are pre-strained, ε0, approximately 2.6% and have an initial stress value
of zero. Upon heat activation, the heated wire takes a path to the left where the strain is
decreasing and the non-heated wire takes the path to the right with an increasing strain. Note that
the strain recovered for the heated wire equals that of the non-heated wire, where, in the diagram,
xrec is the amount of strain recovered. Also, the load (or stress) for the heated wire equals that of
the non-heated wire. Note that the load and displacements must remain equivalent due to the
compatibility requirements.

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Fig 9. Schematic diagram of idealized loading of the heated and non-heated actuator
wires.[6]

Note that if the upper wire were a spring with a spring constant k (as shown in figure 10), then its
force is equal to F = −kx. Therefore, if the lower wire has a plastic deformation and when heated
it recovers 0.5 in of the plastic deformation, then the force in the spring is equal to F = −k*(0.5).
As long as the 0.5 in displacement is within the spring‟s linear-elastic region, this equation is
valid. It is important to note that the force in the spring is the force of the heated wire, as long as
the system is in static equilibrium.

Fig 10. Schematic diagram of a SMA-spring actuator

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When the lower wires are cooled back to ambient conditions, the constraining force decreases
due to a phase change (austenite to martensite). Under this reduced force, a percentage of the
initial pre-strain for the heated wire is regained, i.e. the tab will assume a new position less than
the previous one obtained while the wires were heated, but not the original neutral (zero tab
angle) position. The upper wires unload elastically as the lower wires are cooled. The amount of
elastic unloading strain for the upper wires is equivalent to the amount of strain regained by the
lower cooled wires. To bring the tab back to its neutral position, the upper wires are heated next.
If such a tab system is used for the in-flight tracking of a helicopter rotor, it is important to lock
the tab at the desired position. This means that heat activation is needed temporarily during an
adjustment period and then switched off. The tab deflection is related to the amount of strain
recovered using the following equation:

δ ≈ sin−1 ( Lεr)

where L is the undeformed length of the SMA wire, R is the radius of the hinge tube and εr is the
recovered strain.

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7. Applications of SMAs :

7.1: Fixed wing aircraft

The two of the most well-known fixed-wing projects are the Smart Wing program and the Smart
Aircraft and Marine Propulsion System demonstration (SAMPSON). The Smart Wing program
demonstrates the use of active materials, including SMAs, to optimize the performance of lifting
bodies. The project is in two phases with the first being the most SMA-intensive. Here, SMA
wire tendons are used to actuate hinge less ailerons while an SMA torque tube is used to initiate
span wise wing twisting of a scaled-down F-18. In each of these applications, the SME is used to
provide actuation via shape recovery, and the recovery occurs at a non-zero stress. The stress
state during actuation is variable and is a function of the elastic response of the actuated
structure, in this case the wing. Although the SMA is able to provide satisfactory actuation at 16
per cent scale, it is found that the SMA torque tube in particular is not of sufficient strength to
actuate a full-scale wing. As SMA material providers continue to increase their output, however,
fabrication of larger SMA components for stronger actuation is now practical. The as-tested
torque tube installation can be seen in Fig.11.

Fig. 11 Total view of the SMA torque tube as installed in the model wing during phase I of
the SMART Wing project [1]

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The SAMPSON program demonstrates the usefulness of active materials in tailoring the inlet
geometry and orientation of various propulsion systems. An experimental validation is
performed on a full-scale F-15 inlet. The first series of wind tunnel tests performed at NASA
Langley‟s high speed facility tested an antagonistic system in which one SMA Cable is set in
opposition to another. Here the SMAs employing the SME were used to rotate the inlet cowl in
order to change its cross-sectional area. Two opposing SMA bundles were used to actuate in two
directions, with the heating of one bundle causing shape recovery and thereby detwinning the
unheated bundle. After the heated bundle was allowed to cool, the previously detwinned bundle
was then heated and reverse actuation occurred. SMA bundles consisting of 34 wires/rods were
used to provide up to a 26 700N force and rotated the inlet cowl 9◦. Further tests demonstrated
more complex SMA actuation, including inlet lip shaping. This experimental setup can be seen
in Fig 12. This work was performed as part of a DARPA contract to Boeing and monitored by
the NASA Research.

Fig. 12 The SAMPSON F-15 inlet cowl as installed in the

NASA Langley Transonic Wind Tunnel [1]

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7.2 Boeing variable geometry Chevron:

Research into a similar principle utilizing bending actuation of SMAs is also being performed. In
this case the goal is to optimize the trade-off between noise mitigation at take-off and landing
and performance at altitude. Such engine noise levels are often highly regulated by various civil
agencies. Often flow mixing devices known as „chevrons‟ are statically installed along the
trailing edges of the exhaust nozzles. Here the composite chevrons are designed to be
reconfigurable with SMA beam components embedded inside. Again, actuation is based on the
principle of changing flow temperature altitude. The SMA beam elements are formed such that
they force the chevron inward and mix the flow of gases (reducing noise) at low altitudes and
low speeds where the engine temperature is high. They then relax and straighten at high altitude
and high speeds, increasing engine performance. Figure 13 illustrates the current Boeing design
for the variable geometry chevron.

Fig. 13 Boeing variable geometry chevron, flight testing.[4]

7.3 Biomedical Applications:

SMAs have exhibited excellent behavior for biomedical applications such as high corrosion
resistance, bio-compatible, non-magnetic, the unique physical properties, which replicate those
of human tissues and bones, and can be manufactured to respond and change at the temperature
of the human body. The need for precise and reliable miniature instruments to achieve accurate
positioning and functioning for complex medical treatments and surgical procedures provides

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SMAs with substantial advantages and great opportunities for further commercial success in this
area. SMAs are used in medical equipment and devices in many fields including orthopedics,
neurology, cardiology and interventional radiology ; and other medical applications include:
endodontic, stents , medical tweezers, sutures, anchors for attaching tendon to bone, implants ,
aneurism treatments , eyeglass frames and guide wires .The superelastic behavior of SMA, which
fits the stress–strain behavior of human bone and tendons, makes it an excellent material to meet
some of the challenges presented by stenting operations. SMA Stents are much more compliant
to bends in the vessels and contours in the lumen, whereas stainless steel stents tend to force
blood vessel straight. In addition, the superelastic hysteresis behavior of SMA can resist crushing
during the normal physiological process (provide radial resistive force) and exert a small
outward force on the vessel during recovery, which is ideal for stenting applications.

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8. CONCLUSIONS:

In general, the important designing factors to be considered for SMA applications are as listed
below:
 Operating temperature range for the actuator: Selection of SMA material and heat
transfer technique to be considered.
 Force required for deforming the actuator: Selection of SMA shape, size, loading
configuration and design technique to be considered.
 The required speed of the actuator: Selection of SMA material, shape, size and cooling
technique.
 The stroke required: Selection of SMA material, shape, size, loading configuration and
design technique to be considered.
 Type of sensors and controller to incorporate with the actuator (e.g. position,
temperature, force or resistance) to ensure long life and stability.
 Durability and reliability of the actuator: Selection of SMA material, size, loading
configuration and number of cycles to be considered.

Proposed actions to be taken to increase the commercialization of SMA applications:

 Good collaboration within the SMM community (i.e. between material scientists,
engineering designers and marketing personnel) and utilization of information platform
or database to share the knowledge of SMAs and designing SMA applications.
 Utilization of new SMA materials, including hybrid or composite SMMs to enhance its
performance and functionality.
 Exploration of new markets for SMA applications.
 Incorporation of modern computer design and analysis tools such as CAD and FEA into
the design and development process.

Future development:
The identified future development for SMA applications:
 Development of more efficient and effective information platform or base for knowledge
sharing within SMM communities.

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 Development of new materials (including composites and hybrid SMMs), fabrication

technologies and treatment processes for SMAs, which are more stable, more durable
and can be utilized in a broad range of industries.
 Development of new design approaches or guidelines for creation of novel SMA
applications, in existing and new markets.
 Development of robust computational models of SMA behavior.

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 Savitribai Phule Pune University

9. REFERENCES:

1) Aerospace applications of shape memory alloys D J Hartland D C Lagoudas∗

2) A technical and economic appraisal of shape memory alloys for aerospace applications
E.T.F. Chaua, C.M. Friend a, D.M. Allen a, J. Hora a, J.R. Webster

3) A Survey and Comparison of Smart Material Linear Actuators

Brian Patrick Trease;

4) A review of shape memory alloy research, applications and opportunities

JaronieMohdJania, Martin Leary a, Aleksandar Subic a, Mark A. Gibson

5) In-flight tracking of helicopter rotor blades using shape memory alloy actuators
Jeanette J Epps and Inderjit Chopra

6) Shape morphing of aircraft wing: Status and challenges A.Y.N. Sofla, S.A. Meguid, K.T. Tan
W.K. Yeo

7) THE SHAPE MEMORY EFFECT • Phenomenon, Alloys and Applications Dieter Stoeckel

8) Shape memory alloy actuators in smart structures: Modeling and simulation Stefan Seelecke

9) “Material Science & Metallurgy For Engineers”. Dr.V.D.Kodgire & S.V.Kodgire, Everest
Publication

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