Re-Shaping the Future with Shape Memory Alloys - SMA S...( New Shape Me...)

New Shape Memory Alloy Starter Kit provides a great introduction to the benefits of Shape Memory Alloys. The Kit is a hands on tool for Universities and Product Design labs, and provides both a comprehensive manual, and easy to follow demonstrations on the morphing abilities of this smart material.

Medford, MA, (PRWEB) February 4, 2009 -- Imagine a future where the only tool in an auto body shop was a hair dryer! Or a damaged mail box could pop back into shape on a sunny day. A future where safety relief valves, such as sprinkler systems, would work every time. And a future of morphing surfaces, where submarines and aircraft could alter their shapes to improve performance over varying flight conditions. All of these scenarios are possible due to the amazing ability of shape memory alloys (SMA) to alter their state.

Shape memory alloys are a unique class of materials that possess the ability to dramatically alter their shapes based on heat stimulus. The material accomplishes this unusual feat through what is known as an austenite to martensite solid-to-solid phase transition - the transition temperature can range between sub-zero to over 100°C. There are many different shape memory alloys, the most common being nickel titanium. Nickel titanium offers dramatic shape changing abilities, and is capable of achieving strains as high as 15%, and 2% repeatedly, with the benefit of being robust, stable and non-corrosive. Nickel titanium is so non-corrosive that it is used for surgical implants in the human body.
    
The unique and powerful properties of shape memory alloys, and nickel titanium in particular, have the potential to add value to the Automotive, Aerospace, Industrial, and Bio-Medical industries. To assist these industries, along with educational institutions, in evaluating shape memory alloy materials for their products and technologies,