August 27, 2013

Shape-shifting alloys hold promise



Imagine untwisting a finger-size spring, then holding the flame from a lighter underneath the unraveled section. Like magic, it twirls itself into a spring again because the metal alloy remembered its original shape.

Sandia National Laboratories researchers think such shape-memory alloys could be used to improve safety in weapons components in a fire or other accident. Materials scientist Don Susan said a thermal device made from a high-temperature shape-memory alloy might, for example, close or open a switch or lock a gear to prevent it from turning.