Contribution to Shape Memory Alloys Actuated Systems Design

Even it has been recognized that Shape Memory Alloys have a significant potential for deployment actuators, the number of applications of SMA-based actuators to the present day is still quite small, due to the need of deep understanding of the thermomechanical behavior of SMA. SMAs offer attractive potentials such as: reversible strains of several percent, generation of high recovery stresses and high power / weight ratios. This paper tries to provide an overview of the shape memory functions. A table with property values for different properties of shape memory alloys is also included.