Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Shape Memory”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6

3D Printing ofThermally Responsive Shape Memory LiquidCrystalline Epoxy Networks

Abstract A two-component liquid crystalline epoxy network (LCEN) with shape memory behavior was developed and evaluated as a candidate material for 3D printing. The cure kinetics of the uncured material and the shape memory properties of the cured LCEN were investigated by using parallel plate rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. A commercially available fumed silica additive was introduced to the neat, uncured material to improve the rheological properties for 3D printing. The addition of fumed silica was found to increase the yield stress, shear-thinning behavior, and toughness of the uncured epoxy ink. Polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements between the neat and additive-modified LCEN suggested a reduction in liquid crystalline alignment in the modified LCEN, owing to interactions between crystalline domains and fumed silica, which in turn influenced the mechanical behavior. Overall, the additive was found to be successful in preserving the shape memory properties of LCEN while improving its printability.

Chemistry↗

Multilayered microstructures with shape memory effects for vertical deployment

This paper presents a fabrication and characterization of multilayered microstructures with shape memory effects enabling large vertical deployment under electro-thermal actuation. Our previous research demonstrated vertical deployment of such microstructures by the effect of thermal mismatch. Development of equiatomic NiTi layers in the multilayered microstructure is investigated further for shape memory effects. Multilayered microstructures are built by sputtered NiTi layers and a lift-off process. Negative photoresist ma-N1420 enables clean lift-off of 500 nm thick NiTi layers by forming a significant undercut profile after development. The parametric study on co-sputter powers for Ti and Ni 50 Ti 50 targets suggests that 100 W RF on Ti target and 200 W DC on Ni 50 Ti 50 target can deposit Ni 49.62 Ti 50.38 layers. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used to study the crystal structures and surface topography of NiTi layers. XRD results of post-annealed Ni 49.62 Ti 50.38 layers show coexistence of austenite and martensitic phases at room temperature, suggesting that the transformation temperature of such NiTi layers should be approximate 20 °C. The surface topography of Ni 49.62 Ti 50.38 layers reveals substantial increase of surface roughness at ambient conditions after the annealing. Experimental verification of the multilayered microstructure for vertical deployment was carried out by Signatone Probe Station and Dual Scanning Electron Microscope/Focused Ion Beam (SEM/FIB) system. Finally, a vertical deployment of the two-dimensional (2D) multilayered microstructures for three-dimensional (3D) can be detected by applying a constant voltage of 0.04 V, and the expected 3D deployment displacement is enlarged from 2 μm to 10 μm by introducing the shape memory effect.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Enhanced magnetic hysteresis in Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal and its influence on magnetic shape memory effect

Enhanced magnetic hysteresis due to boron doping in combination with magnetic shape memory effect in Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal results in new interesting functionality of magnetic shape memory (MSM) alloys such as mechanical demagnetization. In Ni{sub 50.0}Mn{sub 28.5}Ga{sub 21.5} single crystal, the boron doping increased magnetic coercivity from few Oe to 270 Oe while not affecting the transformation behavior and 10 M martensite structure. However, the magnetic field needed for MSM effect also increased in doped sample. The magnetic behavior is compared to undoped single crystal of similar composition. The evidence from the X-ray diffraction, magnetic domain structure, magnetization loops, and temperature evolution of the magnetic coercivity points out that the enhanced hysteresis is caused by stress-induced anisotropy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Thermodynamic constitutive model for load-biased thermal cycling test of shape memory alloy

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Thermodynamic calculation model for martensitic transformation of shape memory alloy was proposed. • Evolution of the self-accommodation was considered independently by a rate-dependent kinetic equation. • Finite element calculation was conducted for B2–B19′ transformation of Ti–44.5Ni–5Cu–0.5 V (at.%). • Three-dimensional numerical results predict the macroscopic strain under bias loading accurately. - Abstract: This paper presents a three-dimensional calculation model for martensitic phase transformation of shape memory alloy. Constitutive model based on thermodynamic theory was provided. The average behavior was accounted for by considering the volume fraction of each martensitic variant in the material. Evolution of the volume fraction of each variant was determined by a rate-dependent kinetic equation. We assumed that nucleation rate is faster for the self-accommodation than for the stress-induced variants. Three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted and the results were compared with the experimental data of Ti–44.5Ni–5Cu–0.5 V (at.%) alloy under bias loading.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

In situ investigation of stress-induced martensitic transformation in granular shape memory ceramic packings

Stress-induced martensitic transformation can occur in granular shape memory materials when individual particles experience high stresses and transform from a high-symmetry austenite phase to a low-symmetry martensite phase. This involves a highly heterogeneous distribution of the driving force and very low mechanical constraint for martensite nucleation, so the transformation behavior can be dramatically different from the well-documented case of monolithic solids. In this work, we investigate the stress-induced martensitic transformation in granular shape memory ceramic packings, which consist of single-crystal micro-particles of ZrO 2 -12 at%CeO 2 and ZrO 2 -15 at%CeO 2 . Using in situ neutron diffraction, we study how the phase fraction, lattice strain, and integral peak broadness evolve during external loading, unloading, and subsequent heating. Several peculiar features are discovered, including (i) a continuous mode of transformation with a wide range of transformation loads, (ii) co-evolution of the packing structure, contact deformation, and martensitic transformation, and (iii) a strong correlation between the peak broadening and the transformed phase fraction. In addition, we show the first direct evidence of reversible stress-induced martensitic transformation in granular materials. We additionally discuss the mechanism for martensite nucleation and growth in granular packings and show how that leads to the observed transformation characteristics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Role of point defects in stress-induced martensite transformations in NiTi shape memory alloys: A molecular dynamics study

Shape-memory properties of equiatomic NiTi rely on the thermal- or stress-induced reversible martensitic phase transformation between the $\textit{B}$2 and $\textit{B}$19' phases. Irradiation defects suppress thermal-induced transformations, but their effects on stress-induced transformations are poorly understood. In this work, we use molecular dynamics to investigate the effect of vacancies, vacancy clusters, interstitials, and antisite defects on stress-induced transformations. All defects suppress the transformation, but vacancy clusters do so to the greatest extent, while antisite defects do so to the least extent. The responsible mechanisms are grain boundary pinning and chemical disordering.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Acoustic emission analysis of cyclically loaded superelastic shape memory alloy fiber reinforced mortar beams

Superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) are metallic alloys that can recover their nonlinear deformations upon unloading. The use of SMAs in cementitious composites as fibers can enable crack recovery and re-centering capabilities. In this study, the crack recovery characteristics of SMA fiber reinforced mortar specimens subjected to flexural cyclic loading are studied through acoustic emission analysis. SMA fiber reinforced mortar specimens with fiber volume ratios of 0.3%, 0.5% and 1.0% are tested under cyclic flexural loads. Acoustic emissions (AE) signals are captured and analyzed to characterize the crack formation and crack width development at each cycle of loading. In addition, the crack width propagation of the specimens is monitored by Digital Image Correlation measurement system and is used as a basis in AE analyses. Results show that the SMA fiber reinforced mortars exhibit considerable re-centering and crack recovery characteristics at large deformation amplitudes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Processable Shape Memory Polymer System for Biomedical Applications

Polyurethane shape memory polymers (SMPs) with tunable thermomechanical properties and advanced processing capabilities are synthesized, characterized, and implemented in the design of a microactuator medical device prototype. The ability to manipulate glass transition temperature ( T g ) and crosslink density in low-molecular weight aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane SMPs is demonstrated using a synthetic approach that employs UV catalyzed thiol-ene “click” reactions to achieve postpolymerization crosslinking. Polyurethanes containing varying C=C functionalization are synthesized, solution blended with polythiol crosslinking agents and photoinitiator and subjected to UV irradiation, and the effects of number of synthetic parameters on crosslink density are reported. Thermomechanical properties are highly tunable, including glass transitions tailorable between 30 and 105 °C and rubbery moduli tailorable between 0.4 and 20 MPa. This new SMP system exhibits high toughness for many formulations, especially in the case of low crosslink density materials, for which toughness exceeds 90 MJ m –3 at select straining temperatures. To demonstrate the advanced processing capability and synthetic versatility of this new SMP system, a laser-actuated SMP microgripper device for minimally invasive delivery of endovascular devices is fabricated, shown to exhibit an average gripping force of 1.43 ± 0.37 N and successfully deployed in an in vitro experimental setup under simulated physiological conditions.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Shape-memory transformations of NiTi: Minimum-energy pathways between austenite, martensites, and kinetically limited intermediate states

NiTi is the most used shape-memory alloy, nonetheless, a lack of understanding remains regarding the associated structures and transitions, including their barriers. Using a generalized solid-state nudge elastic band (GSSNEB) method implemented via density-functional theory, we detail the structural transformations in NiTi relevant to shape memory: those between body-centered orthorhombic (BCO) groundstate and a newly identified stable austenite (“glassy” B2-like) structure, including energy barriers (hysteresis) and intermediate structures (observed as a kinetically limited R-phase), and between martensite variants (BCO orientations). All results are in good agreement with available experiment. We contrast the austenite results to those from the often-assumed, but unstable B2. Furthermore, these high- and low-temperature structures and structural transformations provide much needed atomic-scale detail for transitions responsible for NiTi shape-memory effects.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Shape memory alloy engine for high efficiency low-temperature gradient thermal to electrical conversion

More than half of the energy generated worldwide is lost as unused thermal energy because of the lack of efficient methodology for harnessing the low-grade heat. In this paper, we demonstrate that shape-memory alloy can be an effective mechanism for recovering low-grade heat. Shape memory alloys exhibit thermally induced martensite to austenite phase transformation and super-elasticity (stress-induced martensitic transformation). Employing these two characteristics, we demonstrate a thermal engine for harnessing waste energy through all modes of heat transfer: convection, conduction, and radiation. In this work, we performed material and heat transfer analysis for achieving high frequency, sustainable and efficient operation of our engine. An optimized shape memory alloy engine generated 36 W per kilogram or 234 kW of electricity per cubic meter of active material. A continuous three-day operation of several SMA engines could generate 7.2 kWh of electricity when installed on a 500 m long hot pipe network. This generated power can potentially reduce the carbon footprint by 5.1 kg of CO 2 illustrating the promise of this technology for addressing climate change.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Ultra Low Density Shape Memory Polymer Foams With Tunable Physicochemical Properties for Treatment of intracranial Aneurysms

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a rapidly emerging class of smart materials that can be stored in a deformed temporary shape, and can actively return to their original shape upon application of an external stimulus such as heat, pH or light. This behavior is particularly advantageous for minimally invasive biomedical applications comprising embolic/regenerative scaffolds, as it enables a transcatheter delivery of the device to the target site. The focus of this work was to exploit this shape memory behavior of polyurethanes, and develop an efficient embolic SMP foam device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.In summary, this work reports a novel family of ultra low density polymer foams which can be delivered via a minimally invasive surgery to the aneurysm site, actuated in a controlled manner to efficiently embolize the aneurysm while promoting physiological fluid/blood flow through the reticulated/open porous structure, and eventually biodegrade leading to complete healing of the vasculature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructural study and simulation of intrinsic two-way shape memory behavior of functionally graded Ni-rich/NiTiCu thin film

Highlights: • Ni-rich/Ti-rich bi-layer thin film was deposited on Si by using DC magnetron sputtering. • The bi-layer exhibits the gradient structure and mechanical properties through the thickness. • The bi-layer shows intrinsic two-way shape memory effect due to functionally graded structure. • The intrinsic two-way shape memory effect was confirmed by finite element simulation. - Abstract: In this research, the gradient structure and mechanical properties of an austenitic/martensitic (Ni{sub 50.8}Ti/Ni{sub 45}TiCu{sub 5} (at.%)) bi-layer thin film was investigated. The bi-layer was deposited on a Si substrate using DC magnetron sputtering. After crystallization of the film at 773 K for 60 min, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the bi-layer thin film were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (STEM and HRTEM) and nanoindentation, respectively. The diffraction pattern illustrated that the crystallized bi-layer was combined of martensitic and austenitic layers while secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated the existence of a compositional gradient through the thickness and residual strain in the interface of the bi-layer, respectively. Furthermore, the compositional gradient in the bi-layer led to gradual variations in the structure, hardness and Young's modulus through the thickness of the bi-layer. The intrinsic two-way shape memory effect due to its functionally graded structure and the induced stress was confirmed by experimental test and finite element simulation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Role of B19' martensite deformation in stabilizing two-way shape memory behavior in NiTi

Deformation of a B19' martensitic, polycrystallineNi49.9Ti50.1 (at. %) shape memoryalloy and its influence on the magnitude and stability of the ensuing two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) was investigated by combined ex situ mechanical experimentation and in situneutron diffraction measurements at stress and temperature. The microstructural changes (texture, lattice strains, and phase fractions) during room-temperature deformation and subsequent thermal cycling were captured and compared to the bulk macroscopic response of the alloy. With increasing uniaxial strain, it was observed that B19' martensite deformed by reorientation and detwinning with preferred selection of the (1¯50) M and (010) M variants, (201¯) B19' deformation twinning, and dislocation activity. These mechanisms were indicated by changes in bulk texture from the neutron diffraction measurements. Partial reversibility of the reoriented variants and deformation twins was also captured upon load removal and thermal cycling, which after isothermal deformation to strains between 6% and 22% resulted in a strong TWSME. Consequently, TWSME functional parameters including TWSME strain, strain reduction, and transformation temperatures were characterized and it was found that prior martensite deformation to 14% strain provided the optimum condition for the TWSME, resulting in a stable two-way shape memory strain of 2.2%. Thus, isothermal deformation of martensite was found to be a quick and efficient method for creating a strong and stable TWSME in Ni₄₉.₉Ti₅₀.₁.

Benafan, O.↗

Investigations on the electronic, structural, magnetic properties related to shape-memory behavior in Ti{sub 2}CoX (X=Al, Ga, In)

Highlights: • The analysis of phase stability trend is studied for Ti{sub 2}CoX(X = Al, Ga, In). • Ti{sub 2}CoGa is more suitable as shape memory alloy. • Total magnetic moments disappear with a increase of c/a ratio for all systems. • Density of states at the Fermi level are also shown. - Abstract: Using the full-potential local orbital minimum-basis method, we have performed a systematic investigations on the electronic, structural, and magnetic properties related to shape memory applications for Ti{sub 2}CoX (X=Al, Ga, In) alloys. Our results confirm that these alloys are half-metallic ferromagnets with total magnetic moment of 2μ{sub B} per formula unit in austenite phase, and undergo a martensitic transformation at low temperatures. The relative stabilities of the martensitic phases differ considerably between Ti{sub 2}CoX (X=Al, Ga, In). Details of the electronic structures suggest that the differences in hybridizations between the magnetic components are responsible for trends of phase. Quantitative estimates for the energetics and the magnetizations indicate that Ti{sub 2}CoGa is a promising candidate for shape memory applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Shape Recovery with Concomitant Mechanical Strengthening of Amphiphilic Shape Memory Polymers in Warm Water

Maintaining adequate or enhancing mechanical properties of shape memory polymers (SMPs) after shape recovery in an aqueous environment are greatly desired for biomedical applications of SMPs as self-fitting tissue scaffolds or minimally invasive surgical implants. Here we report stable temporary shape fixing and facile shape recovery of biodegradable triblock amphiphilic SMPs containing a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) center block and flanking poly(lactic acid) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) blocks in warm water, accompanied with concomitant enhanced mechanical strengths. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses revealed that the unique stiffening of the amphiphilic SMPs upon hydration was due to hydration-driven microphase separation and PEG crystallization. We further demonstrated that the chemical composition of degradable blocks in these SMPs could be tailored to affect the persistence of hydration-induced stiffening upon subsequent dehydration. These properties combined open new horizons for these amphiphilic SMPs for smart weight-bearing in vivo applications (e.g. as self-fitting intervertebral discs). In conclusion, this study also provides a new material design strategy to strengthen polymers in aqueous environment in general.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ultra low density biodegradable shape memory polymer foams with tunable physical properties

Compositions and/or structures of degradable shape memory polymers (SMPs) ranging in form from neat/unfoamed to ultra low density materials of down to 0.005 g/cc density. These materials show controllable degradation rate, actuation temperature and breadth of transitions along with high modulus and excellent shape memory behavior. A method of m ly low density foams (up to 0.005 g/cc) via use of combined chemical and physical aking extreme blowing agents, where the physical blowing agents may be a single compound or mixtures of two or more compounds, and other related methods, including of using multiple co-blowing agents of successively higher boiling points in order to achieve a large range of densities for a fixed net chemical composition. Methods of optimization of the physical properties of the foams such as porosity, cell size and distribution, cell openness etc. of these materials, to further expand their uses and improve their performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Controlled Shape Memory Behavior of a Smectic Main-Chain Liquid Crystalline Elastomer

Here, we describe how a smectic main-chain liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE), with controlled shape memory behavior, is synthesized by polymerizing a biphenyl-based epoxy monomer with an aliphatic carboxylic acid curing agent. Microstructures of the LCEs, including their liquid crystallinity and cross-linking density, are modified by adjusting the stoichiometric ratio of the reactants to tailor the thermomechanical properties and shape memory behavior of the material. Thermal and liquid crystalline properties of the LCEs, characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis, and structural analysis, performed using small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering, show that liquid crystallinity, cross-linking density, and network rigidity are strongly affected by the stoichiometry of the curing reaction. With appropriate structural modifications it is possible to tune the thermal, dynamic mechanical, and thermomechanical properties as well as the shape memory and thermal degradation behavior of LCEs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of the interplay between atomic and magnetic order on the properties of metamagnetic Ni-Co-Mn-Ga shape memory alloys

Ni-Co-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys show metamagnetic behavior for a range of Co contents. The temperatures of the structural and magnetic transitions depend strongly on composition and atomic order degree, in such a way that combined composition and thermal treatment allows obtaining martensitic transformation between any magnetic state of austenite and martensite. This work presents a detailed analysis of the effect of atomic order on Ni-Co-Mn-Ga alloys through the evolution of structural and magnetic transitions after quench from high temperatures and during post-quest ageing. It is found that the way in which the atomic order affects the martensitic transformation temperatures and entropy depends on the magnetic order of austenite and martensite. The results can be explained assuming that improvement of atomic order decreases the free energy of the structural phases according to their magnetic order. However, it is assumed in this work that changes in the slope—that is, the entropy—of the Gibbs free energy curves are also decisive to the stability of the two-phase system. The experimental transformation entropy values have been compared with a phenomenological model, based on a Bragg–Williams approximation, accounting for the magnetic contribution. The excellent agreement obtained corroborates the magnetic origin of changes in transformation entropy brought about by atomic ordering.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗