Innovative and Scalable Near Net-Shape Manufacturing for Shape-Memory Alloy

This project is to develop a near net-shape spray forming process of NiTi shape memory alloy, which enables the shape-memory behavior to be more closely controlled, and provides a more reliable actuation service. The near net-shape spray forming will offerthe NiTi shpae memory alloy with refined grain size, reduced porosity, improved microstructural/chemical uniformity and enhanced mechanical properties with a cost-effective solution. In this project, we will design, modeling, manufactur the near net-shapeplate and tubular samples. The cost-effective,near net shape processing of NiTi alloy with refined microstructure will find great application opportunities both in underwater, surface and airborne naval applications within military systems,and in thecommercial sectors. Those activities which need closely controlled and compact actuation would be perfect applications for this advanced SMA material such as commercial jets, ships, electric connectors, actuators for appliances, automotive industries andalso a few other growing fields like actuator of consumer application and particularly medical instruments industries.