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Shape Memory Alloy: Advanced Automobile Technologies
May 18 2011 9:00:00 am EST
Topics: Advanced Materials, Science,
Shape memory spring
Shape memory alloy is an alloy that “remembers” its original, cold-forged shape: returning the pre-deformed shape by heating. This material is a lightweight, solid-state alternative to conventional actuators such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and motor-based systems.
A shape memory spring, for example, can be pulled and twisted out of shape, and will almost instantly reform to its original shape when heated. The process can be repeated “over a million times,” According to Dr. Alan Taub, Vice President of GM’s Global Research & Development.
According to Dr. Taub, shape memory alloy will replace expensive motors, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems for simple processes, such as opening and closing louvers on a radiator or deploying a rear spoiler.
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