Shape memory alloy
0201202-188
[DEFINITION]
An alloy that can recover its primary shape after being deformed
when
the temperature changed.
[DESCRIPTION]
As the shape memory alloys Ti-Ni alloy, Au-Cd alloy, Ag-Cd alloy,
and Cu-Au-Zn alloy are known. Shape memory alloys are used both as the actuator and as a structural
material for their metal properties and the great force and large deformation produced when the
memorized shape is recovered. When an object is miniaturized, the heat stored is reduced relatively
to that released from the surface. This improves the response of the shape memory alloy actuator.
Therefore, shape memory alloy is expected as one of the materials and the actuators that fit for
micromachines. Studies are also ongoing on micro-actuators with sputtered thin film of shape memory
alloy.
[References]
(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)
[Related Terms]
Scale effect, Active catheter, Microgripper