Recent Developments and Challenges in Shape Memory Technology

摘要

Nickel-Titanium-based alloys (NiTi) represent structural materials with actor and sensor functions due to their shape memory properties. This is especially useful for actuator applications, e.g. in valves or switches. A temperature sensor is no longer needed because the material can be set to exhibit the shape memory effect at a given temperature in a certain temperature range. High actuator forces and strains can be generated in a small material volume, which is ideal for the minia-turization of technical devices. Recent developments and technological challenges in shape memory technology with a focus on the research of the interdisciplinary Center for Shape Memory Technology (SFB 459 - Formgedachtnistechnik) at the Ruhr-University Bochum are discussed.