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Superelasticity and Shape Memory Alloys

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

Aims
Before you start
Introduction
Martensitic Phase Transformations - A Simple Example
Martensitic Phase Transformations - Basic Thermodynamics
Martensitic Phase Transformations - Hysteresis Characteristics
Superelasticity - Strain Accommodation by Martensite Formation
Superelasticity - Hysteresis in the Stress-Strain Behaviour
Shape Memory Effect - "Training" of the Transformation
Shape Memory Effect - The "Ferris Wheel" Experiment
Microstructural Changes during Thermo-Mechanical Treatment
Limits of Superelasticity
Applications
Summary
Questions
Going further

Begin

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