Shape Memory Alloy-Based Periodic Cellular Structures

This SBIR Phase II effort will continue to develop and demonstrate an innovative shape memory alloy (SMA) periodic cellular structural technology. Periodic cellular structures (PCS) will be designed and tailored to determine if additional shape memory performance benefits can be derived from the underlying macro-structure when fabricated from SMA's. These structures will be manufactured using an advanced reactive metal casting technology that will allow complex-shaped, integral bulk structures to be fabricated with the requisite composition-microstructure-properties needed for shape memory performance. Casting also offers a relatively low-cost approach for fabricating near net-shape components. The fabricated SMA structures will be characterized for resulting microstructure-properties in order to determine how to best design such PCS to better exploit SMA's for use in aerospace applications.

Potential non-NASA commercial applications include structures and components for armor, automotive and land vehicle (e.g., spoilers), shipboard structures, sporting goods, biomedical implants, and building structures. A practically limitless list of potential applications could essentially be put together if large-sized SMA material with the requisite shape memory properties can be manufactured affordably.

Potential NASA commercial applications include aeroengine and airframe structural components, particularly those that could benefit from shape memory behavior, light weight, acoustic dampening, and impact resistance. For example, SMA's are being considered for flexible (morphing) wings and wing tips for aircraft.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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