1 of 3

Shape Memory Alloys

  • Novel materials that can deformed when cold but return to it’s predeformed shape when heated
    • Also called
      • Memory metals
      • Muscle wire
      • Smart metal
  • Are lightweight solid state alternatives to conventional actuators such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and motor-based systems.

2 of 3

History of Shape Metal Alloys

  • First discovered by Arne Olande in 1938
  • He observed the shape and recovery ability of a gold-cadmium alloy (Au- Cd)
  • J. Buehler and Wang at the US Naval Ordinance Laboratory 1963 observed the shape memory effect in a nickel and titanium alloy, today known as nitinol (“Night in All”; Nickel Titanium Naval Ordinance Lab).

​

3 of 3

How does memory metal work?