Smart Shape Memory Alloy Actuator Systems and Applications

Abstract

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been established in a wide range of applica- tions. Lead by the medical sector, nickel-titanium-based alloys are used for the real- ization of stents, guide wires, and other medical or surgical equipment. Besides this field, where mainly the superelastic material characteristics are used, first products based on actuation via the shape memory effect have been introduced to the market. These shape memory actuators or actuator systems either use temperature change directly for the realization of work output, for example, in thermostat valves, or are thermally activated by an applied electric current. This chapter gives an overview of recent SMA-based actuator systems and applications in a variety of fields from industry over bionics to automotive and aerospace.