Multifunctional Thin Film Shape Memory Effect TiNi Isogrid Structures for Optical Membrane Supports

Shape Change Technologies LLC (SCT), in collaboration with Northrop Grumman Space Technologies (formerly TRW Space Systems) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), has developed both thin film and porous Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) materialsbased on TiNi and other alloy systems for both aerospace and commercial markets. Based on these unique properties, SCT has been active in developing the techniques required to deposit these thin films on polymeric membranes and processes to allow formanufacture of large scale articles, such as actuated membrane sails and as lightweight correctable optical mirrors. In addition, we are active in the manufacture of porous TiNi materials. In this proposal, we will demonstrate the feasibility ofintegrating thin film two-way SMA materials with porous TiNi and their potential applicability self correcting, dampened isogrids structures. Commercial applications for a thin film SMA material and pumps are numerous. The possibility of incorporating the material as a solid state actuator in MEMS devices have yet to be fully explored. Biomedical applications for TiNi SMA pumps and havejust started taking off with the recent success of TiNi stents. TiNi as a cavitation protection material have been proven in research, but commercially incorporating the technology have been hindered by a lack of a film deposition technique. We arecommercialization partners on a Raytheon program and have identified substantive markets for TiNi thin film pumps in both aerospace and biomedical arenas.