High Transition Temperature TiPdNi Shape Memory Alloys Through Rapid Prototyping and Severe Plastic Deformation

In this Phase I Innovation research project MER will utilize rapid prototyping of high temperature ternary TiPdNi alloys to produce a range of compositionally controlled net shape parts. The role of the addition of the ternary alloying element Pd is toelevate transition temperature of the shape memory alloy rapid prototype parts. After rapid prototyping the alloys will be subjected to severe plastic deformation by Equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) to provide improvement to mechanical properties,and yet not change the shape of the part. The ultra fine grain size after ECAE is expected to impart improved thermal fatigue and corrosion resistance for the naval service environment. In Phase I, the micrograined materials will be initially evaluated forenhanced transition temperature, thermal and mechanical fatigue to confirm our anticipated processing benefit. The high transition temperature TiPdNi will have vast applications including actuators, biomedical, MEMS, sporting goods.