Uploaded July 2012 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Shape memory alloys (SMA) are a class of materials referred to as smart materials as they possess the ability to radically change crystal structure or phase at a distinct temperature and also display 'shape memory'. This module focuses on the SMA Nitinol. Using Nitinol, students will explore how these materials work and also learn about and investigate the many applications of SMA. The module begins by posing a number of 'what if' questions to get students thinking about what type of material Shape memory alloys are and how they work. Students are then introduced to Nitinol and explore how shape memory alloys work by conducting an experiment investigating the shape memory properties of Nitinol.
The teachers and students guide to this experiment are available at: http://education.technyou.edu.au/view/144/145/investigating-nitinol
To view the online discussion hosted by the Australian Science Teachers Association visit: http://moodle.asta.edu.au/course/view.php?id=53
Shape memory alloys (SMA) are a class of materials referred to as smart materials as they possess the ability to radically change crystal structure or phase at a distinct temperature and also display 'shape memory'. This module focuses on the SMA Nitinol. Using Nitinol, students will explore how these materials work and also learn about and investigate the many applications of SMA. The module begins by posing a number of 'what if' questions to get students thinking about what type of material Shape memory alloys are and how they work. Students are then introduced to Nitinol and explore how shape memory alloys work by conducting an experiment investigating the shape memory properties of Nitinol.
The teachers and students guide to this experiment are available at: http://education.technyou.edu.au/view/144/145/investigating-nitinol
To view the online discussion hosted by the Australian Science Teachers Association visit: http://moodle.asta.edu.au/course/view.php?id=53
