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Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Metals and Alloys".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2023) | Viewed by 40283

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Girolamo Costanza

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Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico, 1 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: shape memory alloys; sensor and actuators; light-weight alloys; materials characterization; mechanical testing; welding; plastic deformation; porous materials; metal matrix composites; metal foams; aluminum alloys
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Dr. Maria Elisa Tata

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Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico, 1 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: shape memory alloys; sensor and actuators; light-weight alloys; materials characterization; mechanical testing; welding; plastic deformation; porous materials; metal matrix composites; metal foams; aluminum alloys
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have the ability to change their shape, properties and structure as a function of the applied temperature, stress or magnetic field. SMA properties are based on the martensitic transformation happening under certain environmental conditions. In the last twenty years, shape memory and superelastic behavior opened up new areas of fundamental and applied research. High-performance innovative materials with functional properties have recently been processed and manufactured. In this Special Issue of Materials, the attention is focused on the latest developments of this kind of material, on novel synthesis and processing methods and on potential applications in many fields (automotive, aerospace, biomedical, advanced engineering and so on). Contributions related (but not limited) to the following topics are strongly encouraged:

SMA synthesis;

SMA novel processing technologies;

SMA new developments and applications;

SMA-based sensors, actuators or both;

SMA experimental characterization;

SMA thermo-mechanical simulation;

SMA actuators control;

SMA micro actuators;

SMA hybrid actuators.

Contributions from academic and applied researchers are encouraged in this Special Issue.

Full Papers, communications and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Girolamo Costanza
Prof. Dr. Maria Elisa Tata
Guest Editors

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Keywords

shape memory alloys
microstructure
sensors—actuators
applications
new developments

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 9762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Evaluation of Smart Textile Actuator with Chain Structure

by Ju-Hee Lee and Min-Woo Han

Materials 2023, 16(16), 5517; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165517 - 8 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1533

Abstract

Textiles composed of fibers can have their mechanical properties adjusted by changing the arrangement of the fibers, such as strength and flexibility. Particularly, in the case of smart textiles incorporating active materials, various deformations could be created based on fiber patterns that determine the directivity of active materials. In this study, we design a smart fiber-based textile actuator with a chain structure and evaluate its actuation characteristics. Smart fiber composed of shape memory alloy (SMA) generates deformation when the electric current is applied, causing the phase transformation of SMA. We fabricated the smart chain column and evaluated its actuating mechanism based on the size of the chain and the number of rows. In addition, a crochet textile actuator was designed using interlooping smart chains and developed into a soft gripper that can grab objects. With experimental verifications, this study provides an investigation of the relationship between the chain actuator’s deformation, actuating force, actuator temperature, and strain. The results of this study are expected to be relevant to textile applications, wearable devices, and other technical fields that require coordination with the human body. Additionally, it is expected that it can be utilized to configure a system capable of flexible operation by combining rigid elements such as batteries and sensors with textiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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15 pages, 3925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study on the Progressive Damage Behavior of the Interfacial Debonding between Shape Memory Alloy and Polymer Matrix

by Hao Li, Cong Jiang, Zhaogang Yu, Yun Wan, Yunsheng Ma and Zhaoyang Yang

Materials 2023, 16(1), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010168 - 24 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1754

Abstract

The shape memory alloy reinforced composites have promising application potential for aerospace, automotive and biomedical engineering, while the interfacial bonding performance between shape memory alloy and polymer matrix is crucial to the improvement on the mechanical properties. The interfacial bonding mechanical properties are not uniform on the interface between shape memory alloy and the polymer matrix due to the existence of internal defects. Based on the cohesive zone model, an innovative finite element model is proposed to simulate the progressive damage behavior of the interfacial debonding between shape memory alloy and polymer matrix. The good agreement between the numerical results and the available experimental results indicates the validation of the proposed model. The progressive damage and connection of different positions of the interface between shape memory alloy and polymer matrix result in the final interfacial debonding behavior. Further, the effects of the shape memory alloy length-diameter ratio and embedded depth on the interface performance between shape memory alloy and polymer matrix are investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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18 pages, 8289 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Designing for Shape Memory in Additive Manufacturing of Cu–Al–Ni Shape Memory Alloy Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

by Mikel Pérez-Cerrato, Itziar Fraile, José Fernando Gómez-Cortés, Ernesto Urionabarrenetxea, Isabel Ruiz-Larrea, Iban González, María Luisa Nó, Nerea Burgos and Jose M. San Juan

Materials 2022, 15(18), 6284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15186284 - 9 Sep 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2856

Abstract

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are functional materials that are being applied in practically all industries, from aerospace to biomedical sectors, and at present the scientific and technologic communities are looking to gain the advantages offered by the new processing technologies of additive manufacturing (AM). However, the use of AM to produce functional materials, like SMAs, constitutes a real challenge due to the particularly well controlled microstructure required to exhibit the functional property of shape memory. In the present work, the design of the complete AM processing route, from powder atomization to laser powder bed fusion for AM and hot isostatic pressing (HIP), is approached for Cu–Al–Ni SMAs. The microstructure of the different processing states is characterized in relationship with the processing parameters. The thermal martensitic transformation, responsible for the functional properties, is analyzed in a comparative way for each one of the different processed samples. The present results demonstrate that a final post–processing thermal treatment to control the microstructure is crucial to obtain the expected functional properties. Finally, it is demonstrated that using the designed processing route of laser powder bed fusion followed by a post–processing HIP and a final specific thermal treatment, a satisfactory shape memory behavior can be obtained in Cu–Al–Ni SMAs, paving the road for further applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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24 pages, 11490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Thermomechanical Response of Cyclically Loaded NiTi Alloys by Means of Temperature Frequency Domain Analyses

by Sofia Di Leonardo, Riccardo Cappello, Gaetano Burriesci and Giuseppe Pitarresi

Materials 2021, 14(24), 7866; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14247866 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2557

Abstract

Nickel–Titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys subjected to cyclic loading exhibit reversible temperature changes whose modulation is correlated with the applied load. This reveals the presence of reversible thermomechanical heat sources activated by the applied stresses. One such source is the elastocaloric effect, accounting for the latent heat of Austenite–Martensite phase transformation. It is, however, observed that when the amplitude of cyclic loads is not sufficient to activate or further propagate this phase transformation, the material still exhibits a strong cyclic temperature modulation. The present work investigates the thermomechanical behaviour of NiTi under such low-amplitude cyclic loading. This is carried out by analysing the frequency domain content of temperature sampled over a time window. The amplitude and phase of the most significant harmonics are obtained and compared with the theoretical predictions from the first and second-order theories of the Thermoelastic Effect, this being the typical reversible thermomechanical coupling prevailing under elastic straining. A thin strip of NiTi, exhibiting a fully superelastic behaviour at room temperature, was investigated under low-stress amplitude tensile fatigue cycling. Full-field strain and temperature distributions were obtained by means of Digital Image Correlation and IR Thermography. The work shows that the full field maps of amplitude and phase of the first three significant temperature harmonics carry out many qualitative information about the stress and structural state of the material. It is, though, found that the second-order theory of the Thermoelastic Effect is not fully capable of justifying some of the features of the harmonic response, and further work on the specific nature of thermomechanical heat sources is required for a more quantitative interpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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12 pages, 7917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Position Control and Force Estimation Method for Surgical Forceps Using SMA Actuators and Sensors

by Dennis Braun, David Weik, Sophia Elsner, Sandra Hunger, Michael Werner and Welf-Guntram Drossel

Materials 2021, 14(17), 5111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14175111 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2941

Abstract

Minimally invasive surgery is increasingly used in many medical operations because of the benefits for the patients. However, for the surgeons, accessing the situs through a small incision or natural orifice comes with a reduction of the degrees of freedom of the instrument. Due to friction of the mechanical coupling, the haptic feedback lacks sensitivity that could lead to damage of the tissue. The approach of this work to overcome these problems is to develop a control concept for position control and force estimation with shape memory alloys (SMA) which could offer haptic feedback in a novel handheld instrument. The concept aims to bridge the gap between manually actuated laparoscopic instruments and surgical robots. Nickel-titanium shape memory alloys are used for actuation because of their high specific energy density. The work includes the manufacturing of a functional model as a proof of concept comprising the development of a suitable forceps mechanism and electronic circuit for position control and gripping force measurement, as well as designing an ergonomic user interface with haptic force feedback. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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15 pages, 6467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Sensaptic ADAS Device Using Shape Memory Alloy Wires: Design and Control

by Deivamoney Josephine Selvarani Ruth, Kaliaperumal Dhanalakshmi and Seung-Bok Choi

Materials 2021, 14(13), 3494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14133494 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2073

Abstract

This paper presents an active accelerator pedal system based on an integrated sensor and actuator using shape memory alloy (SMA) for speed control and to create haptics in the accelerator pedal. A device named sensaptics is developed with a pair of bi-functional SMA wires instrumented in a synergistic configuration function as an active sensor for positioning the accelerator pedal (pedal position sensing) to control the vehicle speed through electronic throttle and as a variable impedance actuator to generate active force (haptic) feedback to the driver. The reaction force emanated from the pedal alerts the driver and takes appropriate control action by slowing down the vehicle, in harmony with the road’s condition. The design is developed as a proof-of-concept device and is tested and evaluated in a real-time common rail diesel system for rail pressure regulation and over speeding tests, and the responses and performances are found to be promising. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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11 pages, 2543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Silver Addition on Structure, Martensite Transformations and Mechanical Properties of TiNi–Ag Alloy Wires for Biomedical Application

by Gulsharat Baigonakova, Ekaterina Marchenko, Timofey Chekalkin, Ji-hoon Kang, Sabine Weiss and Aleksei Obrosov

Materials 2020, 13(21), 4721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13214721 - 22 Oct 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2796

Abstract

The microstructural and functional behavior of TiNi-based wires with a silver content of 0–1.5 at.% was evaluated. The concentration range for Ag doping determined for the TiNi wires with potential for the medical industry was 0–0.2 at.%. Microstructure analysis of TiNi wires with different silver contents at room temperature indicated a multiphase structural state. Various internal structures with tangled grain boundaries were formed by intense plastic deformation. The nanocrystalline structure and phase state of wire with the minimum silver content (0.1 at.% Ag) provide full shape recovery, the greatest reversible strain, and optimal strength and ductility. TiNi ingots with a high Ag content (0.5–1.5 at.%) cracked under minimum load due to excess silver that crystallized along the grain boundaries and broke cohesion bonds between the TiNi grains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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10 pages, 2083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature Dependence of Anisotropy in Ti and Gd Doped NiMnGa-Based Multifunctional Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys

by Amadeusz Łaszcz, Mariusz Hasiak and Jerzy Kaleta

Materials 2020, 13(13), 2906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13132906 - 28 Jun 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2841

Abstract

The temperature dependence of magnetocrystalline anisotropy was investigated in detail for the polycrystalline Ni₅₀Mn₂₅Ga₂₅, Ni₅₀Mn₂₅Ga₂₀Ti₅ and Ni₅₀Mn₂₅Ga₂₀Gd₅ ferromagnetic shape memory alloys in the temperature range of 50–400 K. The effective anisotropy constant was estimated from a series of high field magnetization curves based on the fitting procedure according to the law of approach to magnetic saturation. The low temperature martensitic phase was found to have a significantly higher anisotropy energy in comparison to a high temperature austenitic phase, which was observed through a sudden, distinct drop of anisotropy energy. The calculated values of the effective anisotropy constant were comparable to the results published by other authors. Moreover, the strong influence of chemical composition on the first-order phase transition and the second-order ferromagnetic to the paramagnetic transition was revealed. Finally, the strong coupling between the temperature dependence of the coercive field and the temperature dependence of magnetocrystalline anisotropy was also shown and discussed in the present study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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20 pages, 11378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-Bias Spring Actuation for Self-Shaping Architecture: Investigation of Parametric Sensitivity

by Hwang Yi

Materials 2020, 13(11), 2485; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13112485 - 29 May 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5118

Abstract

Parametric complexity of the thermomechanical shape memory alloy (SMA) model is one of the major barriers to advanced application of the SMA actuation in adaptive architecture. This article seeks to provide architectural practitioners with decision-making information about SMA actuator design parameters. Simulation-based global sensitivity analysis of an SMA-bias spring actuation model reveals that the SMA spring index (a spring’s outer diameter divided by its wire diameter) and stiffness of the bias spring are significant factors in both displacement and force exertion. Among all parameters, maximum output stroke and force largely depend on the temperature range at which the SMA spring operates. These findings also indicate a trade-off between the spring diameter and wire thickness, demonstrating that the output stroke and force tend to counter one another. Appropriate preloading and choice of an optimal spring index should be considered for desirable SMA motion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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16 pages, 3105 KiB

Open AccessReview

Shape Memory Alloys for Aerospace, Recent Developments, and New Applications: A Short Review

by Girolamo Costanza and Maria Elisa Tata

Materials 2020, 13(8), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13081856 - 15 Apr 2020

Cited by 154 | Viewed by 12445

Abstract

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) show a particular behavior that is the ability to recuperate the original shape while heating above specific critical temperatures (shape memory effect) or to withstand high deformations recoverable while unloading (pseudoelasticity). In many cases the SMAs play the actuator’s role. Starting from the origin of the shape memory effect, the mechanical properties of these alloys are illustrated. This paper presents a review of SMAs applications in the aerospace field with particular emphasis on morphing wings (experimental and modeling), tailoring of the orientation and inlet geometry of many propulsion system, variable geometry chevron for thrust and noise optimization, and more in general reduction of power consumption. Space applications are described too: to isolate the micro-vibrations, for low-shock release devices and self-deployable solar sails. Novel configurations and devices are highlighted too. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Novel Applications of Shape Memory Alloys)

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