Special Issue - 2019 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)

ISSN: 2278-0181
AMDMM - 2019 Conference Proceedings

Shape Memory Alloys

A Great Boon for the Industrial Application

Subrat Kumar Barik Dr. P. Srinivasa Rao

Assistant Professor, Dean, R&D
Mechanical Engineering Sri Sivani College of Engineering, Centurion University of Technology and Management,
Chilakapalem, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India

Abstract—Based upon the problems developed by the metals deformation without residual strains gaining a hysteretic
and non-metals a new composition came into existence as loop which makes the material to remove energy to the
alloys. Alloys processed almost all the solutions to the existing surrounding. Studies on these two properties provides us
problems. With the advent of time alloys also posed certain with many extraordinary properties which when applied
problems to the society hence a new source named shape
memory alloy was sorted to be the latest solution. Shape
makes the shape memory alloys a great possibility in the
memory alloys are metallic systems that remember and regain way we see the world.
their original shapes. These alloys undergo martensitic phase
transformations because of applied thermo- mechanical loads
II. SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY
and are capable of recovering permanent strains when heated The transformation from alloy to shape memory alloy
above a certain temperature. This paper focuses on shape follows a cyclic path. Every material has a tendency that if
memory alloy and its substantial help to the society by their we will provide particular temperature in perfect
applications in industry, medical science and engineering environment then the alloy transforms its phase. Here we
fields. The two major properties such as super elasticity and
discuss the important components of transformation from
shape memory effect and its applications will be discussed
broadly in this paper. alloy to shape memory alloy.
A. Martensitic transformation
Keywords—Shape memory alloy, super elasticity, back memory
effect. In near equal atomic number alloys martensite forms on
cooling from the body centered cubic high temperature
I. INTRODUCTION phase, known as austenite, by a shear type of process. This
With the need for human wants growing day by day martensitic phase is heavily twinned. The transformation
research on finding suitable materials took gear. This which yields super elasticity and the shape-memory effect
research bought opportunities for various new techniques is diffusion less phase transformation in solids, called
and technology. In the last decade a tremendous change in martensitic transformation. During this transformation, the
the way of life style of humans is seen. These changes are atoms are cooperatively rearranged into a different
basically due to the invention of new materials. These crystalline structure with identical chemical composition,
materials act and change and respond as per the human through a displace distortion process. [14]
need with just wink of eye or with snap of fingers.
Development of these materials started with research on
certain changes of materials when heat, electric current,
magnetic field are applied on these materials. Explaining
them further we can demonstrate the thermo- response
materials and magneto response materials. Those materials
which change to heat which provided are known as thermo-
response materials and those which change according to the
magnetic field supplied is known as magneto responsive
material. Briefly these materials are described as shape
memory alloys. A broader study on these alloys states us
that they show two unique qualities as shape memory effect
and super elasticity. [4]
The shape memory effect deals with the shape recovery
of the alloys. It states that the material can be recovered to
its original geometry after being deformed by the heat
provided. The martensitic transformation provided up to Fig. 1. Austenite to martensite phase transformation
the critical temperature helps in causing this shape memory
effect. Of course, the temperature and the material In SMAs, the martensitic transformation changes the
properties affect this effect to a great extent. The super material from the parent phase, a high-temperature (high-
elasticity property makes the material to endure large cyclic

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Special Issue - 2019 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
AMDMM - 2019 Conference Proceedings

energy) phase called austenite, to a low-temperature phase by raising the temperature above Af, transforming the de-
(low-energy) called martensite shows in Fig.1. During the twinned martensite back to austenite; see Fig..3. This shape
transformation from the high-temperature phase to the low is maintained during cooling below Mf, when the material
temperature phase, these martensitic variants are formed in re-transforms to twinned martensite. Straining further than
a twinned pattern, in which the atoms achieve point (d) will first cause the slipping of the martensite
displacements with mirror symmetry. This occurs since the lattices and eventually lead the specimen to failure,
crystal lattice strives to achieve minimal potential energy corresponding to point (e). The force exerted by a specimen
states for a given temperature. If a deformed martensite is when it transforms from martensite to austenite is
now heated, it reverts to austenite. The crystallographic associated with a first-order phase transition, involving
restrictions are such that it transforms back to the initial enthalpy of transformation. During this transition, the
orientation, thereby restoring the original shape. The system absorbs an amount of energy, through heating. This
transformation from austenite to martensite and the reverse force may be much higher than the force needed to deform
transformation from martensite to austenite do not take the martensite specimen, causing it to de-twin.[5]
place at the same temperature. A plot of the volume
fraction of martensite as a function of temperatures shown
in Fig. 2 The complete transformation cycle is
characterized by the following temperatures: austenite start
temperature (As), austenite finish temperature (Af),
martensite start temperature (Ms) and martensite finish
temperature (Mf). [14]

Fig. 2. Temperature vs. volume fraction of austenite plot

B. Shape memory effect

The other manifestation of the thermoelastic martensitic
transformation in SMAs is so called shape memory effect.
Whereas stressed induced martensite consists of a single
preferential variant according to the applied stress,
martensite produced by cooling consists of a random
mixture of several variants (including twins). Twin
boundaries can be relatively easily moved by the
application of stress. When the twin boundaries of the Fig. 3. De-twinned martensite to austenite transformation plot
crystal are moved due to application of the stress it will
results in the change of the lattice orientation this There are two categories of shape memory effect
phenomenon is known as de-twin. During the de-twinning namely one way shape memory effect and two way shape
process of the martensitic crystal structure, when facing a memory effect. In one way memory effect material
unidirectional loading, the stress remains almost constant remembers its shape only in cold state where as in two way
until the martensite is completely de-twinned. Crystals shape memory effect it will remembers their original shape
favourably aligned to the load direction deform first, at a in both cold and heat condition.
lower stress level, (o-a-b) in Fig..3 Less favourably aligned C. One way shape memory effect
crystals deform later, at higher stresses (b-c). Further
straining causes the elastic loading of the detwinned When a shape-memory alloy is in its cold state, the
martensite (c-d). Unloading from any point in (o-d) initially metal can be bent or stretched and will hold those shapes
results in elastic unloading of the de-twinned material. The until heated above the transition temperature. Upon
deformation recovered is much smaller than the one heating, the shape changes to its original. When the metal
supplied by de- twinning, giving the apparent impression of cools again it will remain in the hot shape, until deformed
permanent deformation. This deformation can be recovered again.

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Special Issue - 2019 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
AMDMM - 2019 Conference Proceedings

With the one-way effect, cooling from high E. Super elasticity

temperatures does not cause a macroscopic shape change. When a unidirectional stress is applied to an austenitic
A deformation is necessary to create the low-temperature specimen, within a temperature range between Af and Md
shape. On heating, transformation starts at As and is (Md > Af), an elastic distortion of the austenitic lattice
completed at Af (typically 2 to 20 °C or hotter, depending starts to occur (o-a). There is a critical value (a)
on the alloy or the loading conditions). As is determined by whereupon austenite becomes unstable and a
the alloy type and composition and can vary between −150 transformation from austenite to stress-induced martensite
°C and 200 °C. (SIM) takes place; see Fig. 6 in which stress strain curve
shows as the deformation proceeds the stress remains
almost constant until the material is fully transformed (a-b).
During this part of the response the two phases coexist.
Upon stress removal, the elastic unloading of the
detwinned martensite (b-c) takes place. Since martensite
becomes unstable below a critical stress (c) a reverse
transformation occurs as the unloading process continues.
De- twinned martensite reverts back to austenite, at a lower
stress plateau than during loading (c-d).

Fig. 4. One way shape memory effect

D. Two way shape memory effect

The two-way shape-memory effect is the effect that the
material remembers two different shapes: one at low
temperatures, and one at the high-temperature shape. A
material that shows a shape-memory effect during both
heating and cooling is said to have two-way shape memory.
This can also be obtained without the application of an Fig. 6. Stress strain diagram of transformed material
external force (intrinsic two-way effect). The reason the
When the material is fully transformed to the parent
material behaves so differently in these situations lies in
phase (d) further unloading will follow the initial loading
training. Training implies that a shape memory can "learn"
path, with full recovery of the deformation shows in Fig. 7.
to behave in a certain way. Under normal circumstances, a
A hysteretic effect is hence produced. If the temperature is
shape-memory alloy "remembers" its low-temperature
greater than Af, the strain attained during loading is
shape, but upon heating to recover the high-temperature
completely recovered at the end of the unloading. This
shape, immediately "forgets" the low-temperature shape.
process is translated by an energy-absorption capacity with
However, it can be "trained" to "remember" to leave some
zero residual strain, called super elasticity.
reminders of the deformed low-temperature condition in
the high-temperature phases. There are several ways of
doing this. A shaped, trained object heated beyond a certain
point will lose the two-way memory effect.[5]

Fig. 7. Full recovery of deformation

III. TYPES OF SMA

A. High temperature shape memory alloys
Fig. 5. Two way shape memory effect
Extensive research for HTSMAs with other ternary
additions to the NiTi SMA (e.g. Au, Hf, Pd, Pt and Zr) has
been undertaken, due to the increasing demands for high-

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Special Issue - 2019 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
AMDMM - 2019 Conference Proceedings

temperature applications. Practically, HTSMAs are defined biodegradable nature of certain SMPs provide advantages
as SMAs that are operating at temperatures above 100 _C, over metal implants, where the removal of the implant after
and can be categorized into three groups based on their regeneration can be avoided, thus gentler, more effective
martensitic transformation ranges. and more economical treatments can be offered. However,
despite the advantages described above, SMAs are still
B. Magnetic shape memory alloys
preferred for applications that require higher actuation
Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs), which are forces and faster response.
also known as ferromagnetic shape memory alloys
(FSMAs) can actuate at higher frequencies (up to 1 kHz) IV. RECENT APPLICATION
because the actuation energy is transmitted via magnetic In the 1990‘s, the term shape memory technology
fields and is not hindered by the relatively slow heat (SMT) was introduced into the SMM community. SMA
transfer mechanism. application design has changed in many ways since then
FSMA strain rate is quite comparable to magneto and has found commercial application in a broad range of
strictive and piezoelectric active elements, but at strains as industries including automotive, aerospace, robotics and
large as SMAs. FSMA can also provide the same specific biomedical. Currently, SMA actuators have been
power as SMAs, but deliver it at higher frequencies. successfully applied in low frequency vibration and
actuation applications. Therefore, much systematic and
C. Shape memory material thin films intensive research work is still needed to enhance the
SMM thin films evolved from the advancement of performance of SMAs, especially to increase their
fabrication technology, where SMMs are deposited directly bandwidth, fatigue life and stability.
onto micro machined materials or as stand-alone thin films
Recently, many researchers have taken an experimental
to become micro- actuators. Moreover, in the rapidly
approach to enhance the attributes of SMAs, by improving
growing field of micro-electro-mechanical systems
the material compositions (quantifying the SMA phase
(MEMSs), NiTi thin films have become the actuator of
transition temperature) to achieve a wider operating
choice at the micro-scale level, due to the attributes as
temperature range, and better material stability, as well as
described earlier (i.e. higher actuation force and
to improve the material response and stroke with better
displacement), but at relatively low frequency (up to 100
mechanical design (or approach), controller systems and
Hz) and efficiency as well as the non-linear behaviour The
fabrication processes. Research into alternative SMMs,
versatility of NiTi thin film with multiple degrees of
forms or shapes, such as MSMA, HTSMA, SMP, shape
freedom and compact structure, expand the potential of
memory ceramic, SMM thin film or a combination of them
NiTi in biomedical, aerospace, automotive, and consumer
(i.e. hybrid or composite SMMs), are also intensively being
products applications.
conducted, and the number of commercial applications is
D. Shape memory polymers growing each year More details of recent applications and
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are relatively easy to development of SMA are described in the subsequent
manufacture and fast to train (or program) as well being sections.
able to be tailored for a variety of applications. SMPs are A literature analysis has been carried out using the
claimed to be a superior alternative to SMAs for their lower Scopus and USPTO search engines with search keywords
cost (at least 10% cheaper than SMAs), better efficiency, of ‘shape memory alloy’ or ‘nitinol’ for related areas are
biodegradable and probably by far surpass SMAs in their presented in. BCC research reported that the global market
mechanical properties. In addition, SMPs can sustain two for smart materials was about USD19.6 billion in 2010,
or more shape changes when triggered by thermal (heating estimated to approach USD22 billion in 2011 and
or cooling) electricity, magnetic field, light or solutions forecasted to reach over USD40 billion by 2016 with a
(e.g. chemical or water). Generally, there are three compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% between
categories of SMPs, and most of them are naturally either 2011 and 2016. The largest application segment of the
thermo- or chemo-responsive. When one considers the vast market is actuators and motors, with sales of nearly
commercial application of polymer products, it is apparent USD10.8 billion (55% of the total market) in 2010 and
that SMPs have significant commercial application, such as forecasted to reach USD25.4 billion (approximately 64% of
smart fabrics, self- repairing (or seal-healing) plastic the market) by 2016 with CAGR of 15.4% between 2011
components, spacecraft sails, biomedical devices and and 2016.
intelligent structures.
Some of the important applications are listed below.
There are three basic working mechanisms for the SME
in polymeric materials: Dual-state mechanism, dual- A. Aerospace application
component mechanism (DCM) and partial-transition Plane wings with SMA wires can change shape by
mechanism (PTM). The recovery precision of more than inducing voltages in them. This can replace hydraulic and
99% makes SMPs suitable for highly demanding electromechanical actuators.
applications. Similar to SMAs, the SME of SMPs varies
Boeing, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Goodrich
depending on the composition of the material used, i.e.
Corporation, NASA, and All Nippon Airways developed
weight fraction of the switching segments and the
molecular weight of the polymer-chain employed. The

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Special Issue - 2019 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
AMDMM - 2019 Conference Proceedings

the Variable Geometry Chevron using shape memory alloy

that reduces aircraft's engine noise.

Fig. 10. Applications of SMAs in robotics

D. Manufacturing

Fig. 8. SMA wire used in aerospace applications

B. Biomedical
Shape memory alloys are applied in medicine, for
example, as fixation devices for osteotomies in orthopaedic
surgery, in dental braces to exert constant tooth‐moving
forces on the teeth and in stent grafts where it gives the
ability to adapt to the shape of certain blood vessels when
exposed to body temperature. Fig. 11. Applications of SMAs in manufacturing industries

V. FUTURE APPLICATION
Some future applications are listed as follows:
• Eliminate vibrations of read/write heads in hard disk
drives
• Micro stents
• Promote flow in tubular passages
• Reinforce weak blood vessels
• Microsurgery
• Cardio vascular applications
• Orthopaedic applications

Fig. 9. Applications of SMAs in aerospace industry

C. Robotics
There have also been limited studies on using these
materials in robotics (such as Roboter frau Lara), as they
make it possible to create very light robots. Weak points of
the technology are energy inefficiency, slow response
times, and large hysteresis.
Fig. 12. SMAs in microstents and micro wrapper applications

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Special Issue - 2019 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
AMDMM - 2019 Conference Proceedings

VI. MATERIALS used in day to day life by the layman also so that the
Alloys of metals having the memory effect at different crucial development of SMA comes into a serious note
temperatures and at different percentages of its solid based on these applications.
solution contents: Its extensive description of the properties has made its
Ag‐Cd 44/49 at.% Cd applications to reach a far range. Some of them which were
described are in the field of automotive aerospace robotics
Au‐Cd 46.5/50 at.% Cd and biomedical. The day is not far when the applications of
Cu‐Al‐Ni 14/14.5 wt.% Al and 3/4.5 wt.% Ni SMA will revolutionize the way we see the world where
worried patient of cardio problems will be traded by micro
Cu‐Sn approx. 15 at.% Sn stents and will get greatly relieved. Or the blood vessels
will be replaced and made fit for utilization without any
Cu‐Zn 38.5/41.5 wt.% Zn
much stress. Storage in the hard disk will be unfolded to a
Cu‐Zn‐X (X = Si, Al, Sn) great extent with the use of SMA application.
Fe‐Pt approx. 25 at.% Pt These are just a few glimpses of how the world will
look once the application come into real world with in-
Mn‐Cu 5/35 at.% Cu
increase in scope for its application day by day.
VII. ADVANTAGE Shape memory alloy have the potential to be used
The advantages of shape memory alloys include: effectively in seismic regions. Their capability to allow the
development with smart structures with active control of
• High strength strength, stiffness and ability of self-healing and self-
• Good elasticity repairing opens the door for exciting opportunities making
• Fatigue Resistance them a largely usable material in future.
• Wear resistance
• Easy fabrication Hence, we would like to conclude that a small step
• Easy to sterilize towards large revolution has just started which would take
miles of steps with the wonder elements of shape memory
• High Power/weight ratio
alloy, “THE FUTURE OF TOMORROW’S
• Light weight
ENGINEERING APPLICATION”.
• Shape memory
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Special Issue - 2019 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
AMDMM - 2019 Conference Proceedings

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