Ti-Ta High Temperature Shape Memory Alloys

Abstract

The actuation based on shape memory alloys relies on the martensitic phase transformation that allows the reversible transition from the "soft" martensite phase to the "hard" austenite phase. Usual shape memory alloys usually have transformation temperatures around room temperature. While these are suitable for biomedical devices a higher temperature range is needed for applications that are designed to work in aerospace applications. High temperature shape memory alloys belonging to the Ti-Ta system manufactured by arc melting are investigated for their potential to be used in applications requiring the actuation based on martensitic transformation. The microstructure is analyzed based on X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy whereas the martensitic transformation is investigated based on differential scanning calorimetry experiments.