Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy actuators

Mide is proposing to develop actuators based on Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy(FSMA). FSMA's are a new class of actuator materials showing the large strains of shape memory alloys with faster response. This is due to their magnetic, rather than thermalenergy input. Phase I experiments concluded that Ni-Mn-Ga FSMA had the potential to achieve strains up to 6% under the influence of a magnetic field. Further developments in the field have included successful modeling of the material's response toapplied fields and development of a prototype linear actuator. Phase II will address the further application of this technology and the development of material production methods suitable for larger volume.In Phase II Mide will take the technology out of the laboratory and into application. Mide has partnered with Sturman Industries in developing applications for this material. Mide has also partnered with ETREMA to develop single crystal processingmethods suitable for high volume production. The Phase II research will develop FSMA from an exciting new material into a viable actuator technology. This technology will bridge some of the gap in active materials between slow, high strain shape memoryalloys and fast, low strain piezoelectric and magnetostrictive. The new material will open new markets such as pumping to active materials where presently piezoelectrics and magnetostrictives have strain insufficient to overcome the copressibility ofdissolved gassed, and shape memory alloys are too slow.