METHOD OF PROCESSING A NICKEL/TITANIUM-BASED SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY AND ARTICLE PRODUCED THEREFROM

摘要

Abstract of the DisclosureThere is disclosed a method of processing a nickel/titanium-based shape memory alloy. The method comprisesoverdeforming the alloy so as to cause at least some amountof nonrecoverable strain, temporarily expanding thetransformation hysteresis by raising the austenitetransformation temperature, removing the applied stress andthen storing the alloy at a temperature less than the newaustenite transition temperature. There is also discloseda method of preassembling a composite coupling which includesthe steps of overdeforming a driver member, removing thestress, engaging the driver member and an insert and thenwarming the driver and insert to a temperature less than As'.Finally, there are disclosed couplings produced by thesemethods.