Shape Memory Alloy Joint via Shock-Induced Plastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to effectively join shape memory alloy material components to other components due to difficulties in achieving a strong and reliable bond, which is crucial for applications like gas turbine engines where precise movement control is required.
Innovation Solution
A method involving localized plastic deformation is used to create a joint between shape memory alloy and other components by generating adiabatic shear bands through shock loading, causing intermingling of grains and creating a crimped or hinged joint, allowing for secure bonding without altering chemical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional joining methods are used to join shape memory alloy material component to further component, then the joining process is complex and difficult to achieve strong bond, but the mechanical integrity and reliability of the joint is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the shape memory alloy material by controlling temperature and applying localized deformation. By heating the material to austenitic phase and then applying shock loads during cooling to martensitic phase, the material transitions between soft and hard states, enabling easy joining followed by strong bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The joining process utilizes periodic temperature cycling and repeated shock loading. The material is heated to austenitic phase, cooled to martensitic phase with shock loads applied during transformation, and this cyclic process creates the desired localized plastic deformation and grain intermingling for strong joints
2Ease of operation
If shape memory alloy material component is deformed to predetermined position when in martensitic phase, then the component is soft and malleable for positioning, but the joint reliability and mechanical integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary positioning of the shape memory alloy component while it is in the soft martensitic phase, then subsequently applies shock loads to create localized plastic deformation and grain intermingling that locks the component in position and creates a reliable joint with high mechanical integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits the phase transition between austenitic and martensitic states of the shape memory alloy material. The material is heated to austenitic phase for initial positioning, then cooled to martensitic phase where shock loads create permanent deformation and grain intermingling that ensures joint reliability while maintaining the ability to reposition if needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method ensures a strong, reliable joint that maintains mechanical integrity across the shape memory alloy's martensitic and austenitic phases, enabling precise movement and efficient operation in applications such as gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
generating adiabatic shear bands in the shape memory alloy material component which may generate said localized plastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
generating localized plastic deformation of the aforesaid region to create a joint between the components
Implementation Method 3
when the shape memory alloy component is in its austenitic phase, it returns to its original shape by overcoming the pre-load applied to the further component
Data Source
AI summary
A method for joining components comprises locating a region, such as an end region 24, of a shape memory alloy (SMA) material component 10 adjacent to a further component 12, and generating localized plastic deformation of the aforesaid region to create a joint between the components 10, 12. The localized plastic deformation of the shape memory alloy material component 10 is preferably generated by applying a shock load to the shape memory alloy material component 10.