A Review on Applications of Nitinol Shape Memory Alloy
131
Fig. 11 NiTi plate for
mandible fracture [15]
Fig. 12 Sequence of opening for SMA basket [15]
3 Conclusions
A nickel-titanium alloy commonly known as nitinol is one of the types of shape
memory alloys possesses some unique properties such as shape memory, biocompatibility, and superelasticity. SMAs regain their original shape after heating to their
transition temperature. This makes the SMAs best suitable for automotive applications as it eliminates the requirement of external force to be applied to regain
deformed shape. Nitinol SMAs are best suited in majority of automotive areas such as
engine, wiper, suspension, transmission, battery, and airbags. Nitinol SMAs are also
a preferable choice for aerospace applications as nitinol contains titanium element
which is light in weight and has excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
The unique functional properties of SMAs have fascinated the researchers to use them
in key aerospace areas such as compressor, nozzle, turbine, engine, landing gear,
stabilizer, elevator, fin, and aileron. Superelastic effect and shape memory effect are
the two major effects provided by nitinol SMAs. The combination of nickel-titanium
SMA is highly biocompatible which makes them use as orthopedic implants, surgical
instruments, cardiovascular devices, and orthodontic devices.
131
Fig. 11 NiTi plate for
mandible fracture [15]
Fig. 12 Sequence of opening for SMA basket [15]
3 Conclusions
A nickel-titanium alloy commonly known as nitinol is one of the types of shape
memory alloys possesses some unique properties such as shape memory, biocompatibility, and superelasticity. SMAs regain their original shape after heating to their
transition temperature. This makes the SMAs best suitable for automotive applications as it eliminates the requirement of external force to be applied to regain
deformed shape. Nitinol SMAs are best suited in majority of automotive areas such as
engine, wiper, suspension, transmission, battery, and airbags. Nitinol SMAs are also
a preferable choice for aerospace applications as nitinol contains titanium element
which is light in weight and has excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
The unique functional properties of SMAs have fascinated the researchers to use them
in key aerospace areas such as compressor, nozzle, turbine, engine, landing gear,
stabilizer, elevator, fin, and aileron. Superelastic effect and shape memory effect are
the two major effects provided by nitinol SMAs. The combination of nickel-titanium
SMA is highly biocompatible which makes them use as orthopedic implants, surgical
instruments, cardiovascular devices, and orthodontic devices.