M emory shape alloy are materials that can remember its original shape after being deformed. The most common type of memory shape alloy ...
Memory shape alloy are materials that can remember its original shape after being deformed. The most common type of memory shape alloy is nickel-titanium, also known as Nitinol. Nitinol is an alloy of nickel and titanium that has a unique property called shape memory effect. This means that Nitinol can be deformed at a low temperature and will return to its original shape when heated to a higher temperature.
The shape memory effect in Nitinol is caused by a change in its crystal structure. At low temperatures, Nitinol has a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure. When heated above its transformation temperature, the BCC crystal structure transforms into a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure. This transformation is reversible, so when the Nitinol is cooled, it will return to its original BCC crystal structure.
The shape memory effect in Nitinol can be used to create a variety of products, including:
- Surgical implants
- Dental braces
- Eyeglass frames
- Fishing lures
- Actuators
- Thermostats
- Heat engines
Nitinol is a versatile material with a wide range of applications. It is strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.
Applications of Memory Shape Alloy
Memory shape alloy has a wide range of applications, including:
- Medical: Memory shape alloy is used in a variety of medical applications, including:
- Surgical implants: Memory shape alloy is used to create stents, guide wires, and other medical devices that can be inserted into the body.
- Dental braces: Memory shape alloy is used in orthodontics to create braces that can be adjusted to move teeth.
- Orthopedic implants: Memory shape alloy is used to create implants that can be used to repair bones.
- Industrial: Memory shape alloy is used in a variety of industrial applications, including:
- Actuators: Memory shape alloy is used to create actuators that can be used to control valves, pumps, and other devices.
- Thermostats: Memory shape alloy is used in thermostats to control the temperature of homes and businesses.
- Heat engines: Memory shape alloy is used in heat engines to convert heat into mechanical energy.
- Consumer: Memory shape alloy is used in a variety of consumer products, including:
- Eyeglass frames: Memory shape alloy is used to create eyeglass frames that can be adjusted to fit different faces.
- Fishing lures: Memory shape alloy is used to create fishing lures that can be made to move in a variety of ways.
- Sports equipment: Memory shape alloy is used to create sports equipment, such as golf clubs and tennis rackets, that can be customized to fit different players.
Future of Memory Shape Alloy
Memory shape alloy is a promising material with a wide range of potential applications. As research continues, new and innovative applications for memory shape alloy are being developed all the time. It is likely that memory shape alloy will play an increasingly important role in our lives in the years to come.
The video below shows applications of Nitinol at NASA.
