Dissemination of IT for the Promotion of Materials Science (DoITPoMS)

DoITPoMS Teaching & Learning Packages Superelasticity and Shape Memory Alloys

Superelasticity and Shape Memory Alloys

This teaching and learning package (TLP) introduces the phenomena of superelasticity and the shape memory effect.

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The Hubble Space Telescope is powered by solar panels. Shape memory alloys were used to keep the panels folded during launch, then when they reached a temperature of 115 °C, the metal returned to its original shape unlocking the panels.

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First created: 6 August 2009. Converted to HTML5: Dec 2020