Univ., Diss., 2010--Marburg.

The excellent pseudoelasticity, shape memory and biocompatibility of Nitinol have made it a leading candidate for applications in various fields, including aerospace, micro-electronics and medical devices. Challenges associated with laser processing need to be resolved before its full potential in practical applications can be realized. The current thesis details the effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser processing on Ni-rich (Ni-49.2. at.% Ti) Nitinol. First, the mechanical, pseudoelastic and cyclic loading properties for varying process parameters have been compared to those of the base metal. Process parameters were shown to greatly influence the mechanical performance. This was due to local yielding occurring within the processed material during tensile straining. In addition, laser processed samples showed higher permanent residual strain and exhibited a slightly higher efficiency for energy storage during the initial 5 cycles compared to base material. Fracture surfaces of base material revealed ductile dimpled surfaces while welded specimens exhibited both brittle (low peak power) and ductile (high peak power) failure modes. DSC analyses conducted on the processed metal revealed additional high temperature transformation peaks. These peaks were attributed to the local phase conversion induced by laser processing. Further corroboration was made with room temperature XRD analysis, showing only austenite in the base metal and added martensite peaks in the melted metal. Temperature controlled TEM observations confirmed high temperature transformation peaks to be associated with processed metal. Furthermore, TEM analysis aided in identifying the submicron second phase particles observed in fracture surfaces as Ti2Ni. Finally, local phase conversion was correlated to change in local chemical composition. Preferential vaporization of nickel was determined to cause the change in Ni/Ti ratio. This in turn explained the altered mechanical performance and presence of the Ti-rich intermetallic (Ti2Ni). Consequently, a novel method using a high power density energy source to alter transformation temperature of shape memory alloys (SMA’s) was developed. Results were used to successfully demonstrate a novel technology that can embed additional memories in Nitinol and other SMA’s. Possessing the ability to control local transformation temperatures and as a result the shape memory effect of SMA’s promises to enhance their functionality while enabling new applications to be realized.

The excellent pseudoelasticity, shape memory and biocompatibility of Nitinol have made it a leading candidate for applications in various fields, including aerospace, micro-electronics and medical devices. Challenges associated with laser processing need to be resolved before its full potential in practical applications can be realized. The current thesis details the effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser processing on Ni-rich (Ni-49.2. at.% Ti) Nitinol. First, the mechanical, pseudoelastic and cyclic loading properties for varying process parameters have been compared to those of the base metal. Process parameters were shown to greatly influence the mechanical performance. This was due to local yielding occurring within the processed material during tensile straining. In addition, laser processed samples showed higher permanent residual strain and exhibited a slightly higher efficiency for energy storage during the initial 5 cycles compared to base material. Fracture surfaces of base material revealed ductile dimpled surfaces while welded specimens exhibited both brittle (low peak power) and ductile (high peak power) failure modes. DSC analyses conducted on the processed metal revealed additional high temperature transformation peaks. These peaks were attributed to the local phase conversion induced by laser processing. Further corroboration was made with room temperature XRD analysis, showing only austenite in the base metal and added martensite peaks in the melted metal. Temperature controlled TEM observations confirmed high temperature transformation peaks to be associated with processed metal. Furthermore, TEM analysis aided in identifying the submicron second phase particles observed in fracture surfaces as Ti2Ni. Finally, local phase conversion was correlated to change in local chemical composition. Preferential vaporization of nickel was determined to cause the change in Ni/Ti ratio. This in turn explained the altered mechanical performance and presence of the Ti-rich intermetallic (Ti2Ni). Consequently, a novel method using a high power density energy source to alter transformation temperature of shape memory alloys (SMA’s) was developed. Results were used to successfully demonstrate a novel technology that can embed additional memories in Nitinol and other SMA’s. Possessing the ability to control local transformation temperatures and as a result the shape memory effect of SMA’s promises to enhance their functionality while enabling new applications to be realized.

No description available.

Nitinol shape memory alloys have revolutionized many traditional engineering designs with the unique properties of pseudoelasticity and shape memory effect. At the present moment, primary fabrication processes for Nitinol-based devices include laser cutting and manual techniques. As the interest in incorporating Nitinol in different micro applications and devices increases, the development of effective technology for micro-welding of Nitinol becomes necessary. In general, welding processes may induce significant changes to the processed area rendering the component incompatible or unusable. Strength reduction, inclusions of intermetallic compounds, and changes in pseudoelastic and shape memory effects are all examples of how Nitinol can be affected by welding. The current study has examined the effects of two welding techniques on Nitinol: micro-resistance spot welding (MRSW) and laser micro-welding (LMW). Ni-rich Nitinol wires were welded in a crossed-wire configuration at different energy inputs by varying welding currents for MRSW and peak powers for LMW. The characterization of weld properties focused on the mechanical properties and bonding mechanisms, weld microstructure and formation, and phase transformation temperatures. Additionally, the effects of surface oxide on joint performance were also examined. During MRSW, the primary bonding mechanism was solid state, which consisted of 6 main stages: cold collapse, dynamic recrystallization, interfacial melting, squeeze out, excessive flash, and surface melting. Attempt was made to correlate the joining mechanism with the contact resistances. Joint strength and fracture mechanism were closely linked to the metallurgical properties of the welds. Finally, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests showed that weld metal underwent phase transformation at lower temperatures compared to base material. The second part of this study investigated the effects of Nd:YAG laser micro welding have on Nitinol wires. The fracture strength, weld microstructure, and phase transformation temperatures resulting from the use of varying peak power inputs were studied and compared to both base metal and welds produced using the MRSW process. Results showed good retention of base metal strength and pseudoelastic properties. Moreover, the fusion zone underwent phase transformation at higher temperatures compared to base metal, which substantially altered the active functional properties of Nitinol at room temperature.

Nitinol shape memory alloys have revolutionized many traditional engineering designs with the unique properties of pseudoelasticity and shape memory effect. At the present moment, primary fabrication processes for Nitinol-based devices include laser cutting and manual techniques. As the interest in incorporating Nitinol in different micro applications and devices increases, the development of effective technology for micro-welding of Nitinol becomes necessary. In general, welding processes may induce significant changes to the processed area rendering the component incompatible or unusable. Strength reduction, inclusions of intermetallic compounds, and changes in pseudoelastic and shape memory effects are all examples of how Nitinol can be affected by welding. The current study has examined the effects of two welding techniques on Nitinol: micro-resistance spot welding (MRSW) and laser micro-welding (LMW). Ni-rich Nitinol wires were welded in a crossed-wire configuration at different energy inputs by varying welding currents for MRSW and peak powers for LMW. The characterization of weld properties focused on the mechanical properties and bonding mechanisms, weld microstructure and formation, and phase transformation temperatures. Additionally, the effects of surface oxide on joint performance were also examined. During MRSW, the primary bonding mechanism was solid state, which consisted of 6 main stages: cold collapse, dynamic recrystallization, interfacial melting, squeeze out, excessive flash, and surface melting. Attempt was made to correlate the joining mechanism with the contact resistances. Joint strength and fracture mechanism were closely linked to the metallurgical properties of the welds. Finally, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests showed that weld metal underwent phase transformation at lower temperatures compared to base material. The second part of this study investigated the effects of Nd:YAG laser micro welding have on Nitinol wires. The fracture strength, weld microstructure, and phase transformation temperatures resulting from the use of varying peak power inputs were studied and compared to both base metal and welds produced using the MRSW process. Results showed good retention of base metal strength and pseudoelastic properties. Moreover, the fusion zone underwent phase transformation at higher temperatures compared to base metal, which substantially altered the active functional properties of Nitinol at room temperature.

Zugl.: Berlin, Freie Univ., Diss., 2009

Possessing unique thermomechanical properties, the discovery of nickel-titanium shape memory alloys (SMAs) has sprouted a plethora of applications in various fields, including aerospace, automotive, microelectronics, and medical devices. Due to its excellent biocompatibility and its ability to mimic biological forces, the medical implant industry has shown strong interest in expanding the application of NiTi SMAs. However, traditional SMA functional properties are limited by a single set of thermomechanical characteristics in a monolithic component. Past efforts in overcoming this limitation have had little success until recently with the invention of the multiple memory material (MMM) processing technology. This novel processing technology enables multiple functional responses through the augmentation of local microstructure and composition using a high power density source such as a laser. This thesis presents an investigation of the effect of laser processing on pseudoelastic behaviour and corrosion response of medical grade SMAs.

Thesis (M.S.)--Worcester Polytechnic Institute. / Keywords: thermomechanical, SMAs, NiTiNOL, ACES, OEH. Includes bibliographical references.

Submitted by Marcus Nathan Silvestre null (silvestre.nathan@gmail.com) on 2016-08-15T19:33:33Z No. of bitstreams: 1 OBTENÇÃO DA LIGA NITI POR METALURGIA DO PÓ.pdf: 7180947 bytes, checksum: fb85ad122507b1a567ca667e4e2ee8fa (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-08-17T13:10:34Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 silvestre_mn_me_guara.pdf: 7180947 bytes, checksum: fb85ad122507b1a567ca667e4e2ee8fa (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T13:10:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 silvestre_mn_me_guara.pdf: 7180947 bytes, checksum: fb85ad122507b1a567ca667e4e2ee8fa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O nitinol (NiTi) é uma das ligas mais empregadas entre aquelas que apresentam o efeito de memória de forma. A produção da liga por metalurgia do pó é uma alternativa às limitações das ligas fundidas, mas apresenta algumas limitações. O objetivo deste trabalho foi obter a liga NiTi via metalurgia do pó, combinando temperatura e tempo de sinterização para produzir uma liga com baixo volume de fases secundárias e óxidos e a martensita como fase principal à temperatura ambiente. Os pós de níquel e titânio foram pesados na proporção 50,5% Ni - 49,5% Ti (% at) e misturados mecanicamente por 2 horas. A mistura foi compactada uniaxialmente sob três tensões consecutivas: 1000, 750 e 500 MPa, relaxando o sistema em cada carga. Em seguida as amostras foram sinterizadas a 930°C, por períodos de 20, 30, 40 ou 50 horas. Após a determinação da melhor rota de sinterização, as amostras foram submetidas à deformação mecânica a quente, utilizando deformações reais de 31% ou 98%. As amostras foram submetidas a alguns tratamentos térmicos: o recozimento foi realizado a temperaturas de 500 °C e 700 °C e a solubilização a 930 °C. A caracterização das amostras foi realizada por microscopia óptica e MEV, difração de raios X, calorimetria exploratória diferencial e ensaio de microdureza. Em relação à rota de sinterização, o melhor resultado foi obtido utilizando-se tempo de sinterização de 50 horas, com a fase martensítica predominante e ausência de pó residual. As fases intermetálicas secundárias observadas foram Ni3Ti e Ni4Ti3. A densidade das amostras sinterizadas não variou significativamente com o tipo de compactação ou tempo de sinterização. A temperatura de transformação de fase martensítica foi satisfatória para o processo. Em relação à conformação mecânica, o valor de densidade aumentou significantemente, como o esperado. Com o recozimento das amostras, a microestrutura não foi alterada, entretanto os intermetálicos se formaram. Os valores de dureza nas amostras são consideravelmente altos para a composição utilizada e estão relacionados à contaminação por oxigênio, à precipitação da fase Ni4Ti3 e à presença de austenita. / Nitinol (NiTi) is one of the most used alloys that exhibit the shape memory effect and powder metallurgy is an alternative to overcome the casting limitations, but some details need to be checked. The aim of this work is to obtain NiTi by powder metallurgy, determining the best combination of sintering time and sintering temperature to produce an alloy with low volume fraction of secondary intermetallic phases and oxides and martensite as the main phase at room temperature. Ni and Ti elemental powders were weighted in order to get the 49.5% Ti – 50.5%Ni (% at) composition and mechanically mixed for 2 hours. The mixed powder was then uniaxially die compacted under the following condition: 1000 MPa, 750 MPa and 500 MPa. After every stress was applied, the system was relaxed. The sintering was performed under an argon atmosphere at 930°C for: 20, 30, 40 and 50 hours. After determining the best sintering route, hot rolling was applied to the samples, using real deformation of 31% and 98%. The samples were submitted to heat treatments: annealing was performed at 500 °C and 700 °C and solubilization was performed at 930 °C. The samples were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The best route obtained was 50 hours of sintering time, which resulted in the lowest volume of secondary intermetallic phases and no unreacted powder. The intermetallic phases formed were Ni3Ti and Ni4Ti3. The density did not vary with the type of compacting or sintering time. The start temperature of martensite transformation was considered reasonable regarding the process used. After hot rolling, the microstructure did not change significantly. The phases detected after rolling were the same detected previously. About the heat treatments, after the aging the microstructure remained unchanged, but intermetallic phases precipitated. The hardness values obtained were considerably high for the composition used and were attributed to the oxygen contamination, Ni4Ti3 precipitation and the presence of austenite.