A method of processing a nickel/titanium-based shape memory alloy and article produced therefrom

摘要

There is disclosed a method of processing a nickel/ titanium-based shape memory alloy. The method comprises overdeforming the alloy so as to cause at least some amount of nonrecoverable strain, temporarily expanding the transformation hysteresis by raising the austenite transformation temperature, removing the applied stress and then storing the alloy at a temperature less than the new austenite transition temperature. There is also disclosed a method of preassembling a composite coupling which includes the steps of overdeforming a driver member, removing the stress, engaging the driver member and an insert and them warming the driver and insert to a temperature less than A,'. Finally, there are disclosed couplings produced by these methods.