Os efeitos mecânicos exercidos sobre os dentes pela deformação do fio de níqueltitânio dependem de sua rigidez e das características dos braquetes. Os fatores associados ao braquete são a largura, que influencia o comprimento de fio interbraquetes e o coeficiente de atrito. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi comparar a influência dos braquetes autoligáveis passivos Damon, Easy Clip e Smart Clip, sobre as forças, momentos e binding produzidos pela deformação do fio Contour NiTi .014. Metodologia: um dispositivo de simulação clínica com 3 braquetes .022x.028 de aço, correspondentes ao canino e pré-molares, foi acoplado à maquina de tração universal Instron para registro das forças e ao dinamômetro Lutron para registro dos momentos na unidade de ancoragem. A deformação de primeira ordem do fio superelástico Contour NiTi .014 foi propiciada pelo deslocamento do braquete do primeiro pré-molar fixo à máquina Instron. Foi utilizada célula de carga de 500 Newtons e velocidade de 0,05mm/segundo durante a deformação. As forças e momentos foram registrados até deslocamento máximo de 4,5 mm e durante retorno à zero. Foram realizadas dez repetições para cada modelo de braquete. O registro do binding foi obtido em teste separado por meio da tração contínua do fio Contour NiTi durante deformação de primeira ordem até 4,8 mm e retorno até zero. Os efeitos mecânicos foram comparados com deformação de 4 mm. Resultados: na unidade de movimentação as forças de ativação apresentaram diferenças significantes (Damon 224, Easy Clip 241 e Smart Clip 299 cN) enquanto as forças de desativação foram menores no Damon (62 Cn) e semelhantes entre os braquetes Easy Clip (71 cN) e Smart Clip (76 Cn). Na unidade de ancoragem os momentos de ativação apresentaram diferenças significantes (Damon 314, Easy Clip 356 e Smart Clip 438 cN/mm) enquanto os momentos de desativação foram semelhantes entre os braquetes Damon e Easy Clip (239/242 cN/mm) e significativamente maiores no Smart Clip (317 cN/mm). Os valores de binding na ativação e desativação foram semelhantes. O percentual de histerese das forças foi 70% e dos momentos 28%. Conclusões: 1) as forças de desativação produzidas pelo fio Contour NiTi .014 foram semelhantes, o que indicou equivalência mecânica entre os braquetes Damon, Easy Clip e Smart Clip na unidade de movimentação; 2) os momentos de desativação produzidos pelo fio Contour NiTi .014 foram semelhantes entre os braquetes Damon e Easy Clip, e maiores no Smart Clip, o que indicou equivalência mecânica apenas entre os braquetes Damon e Easy Clip na unidade de ancoragem ; 3) a medição das forças de atrito por meio da tração contínua do fio ortodôntico não se mostrou adequada para medir o binding associado à força de desativação; 4) a histerese acentuada observada no início da desativação das forças foi influenciada pela superelasticidade do fio e pelo binding na unidade de ancoragem. / Bracket characteristics and wire stiffness dictate the mechanical effects that nickel titanium wire deformation will cause upon teeth. The main variables associated to bracket characteristics include bracket length (that influence interbracket distance), and coefficient of friction. The purpose of this research was to compare how self ligated brackets such as Damon, Easy Clip and Smart Clip influence moments, forces, and binding produced by the deformation of a .014 Niti Contour wire. Methods: a clinical simulation device with three .022x.028 stainless steel brackets representing canine and bicuspids was attached to an Instron universal traction machine in order to register the forces, and to a Lutron dynamometer to register the moments produced on the anchor unit. The displacement of the first bicuspid fixed on the Instron machine produced a first order deformation on the superelastic .014 Niti Contour wire. A load cell of 500 Newtons under a speed of 0,05mm/second was used during the deformation. Forces and moments were registered up to 4,5mm maximum displacement and during the return to zero. For each bracket model ten repetitions were performed. Binding registration was obtained on a separate test, by continuous traction of the Contour Niti wire during first order deformation up to 4,8mm and back to zero. The mechanical effects were compared with a 4mm deformation. Results: on the moving unit, the activation forces presented significant differences (Damon 224, Easy Clip 241 and Smart Clip 299cN), while the deactivation forces were smaller on Damon (62cN) and similar on the Easy Clip (71cN) and Smart Clip (76 cN). The activation moments on the anchor unit presented significant differences (Damon 314, Easy Clip 356 and Smart Clip 438 cN/mm), while the deactivation moments were similar in the Damon (239 cN/mm) and Easy Clip (242 cN/mm) brackets, and significantly larger on Smart Clip (317cN/mm). Activation and deactivation binding values were similar. The hysteresis percentage on forces was 70% and on moments 28%. Conclusions: 1) the forces produced by the .014 Contour Niti at the movement unit are similar among the Damon, Easy Clip and Smart Clip brackets; 2) the moments produced by the .014 Contour Niti at the anchor unit are similar between Damon and Easy Clip brackets, while the Smart Clip produces larger moments; 3) the method of measuring friction forces by continuous traction of the orthodontic wire is not adequate to measure the binding associated with deactivation forces; 4) hysteresis observed at the beginning of deactivation is influenced by binding.

Ce travail a porté sur l'étude des phases métastables de l'alliage à mémoire de forme CuAlBe sous différents types de sollicitations mécaniques et thermiques par diffraction des neutrons. Il a permis de définir un protocole expérimental de caractérisation des transformations des phases métastables caractéristiques de l'effet mémoire de forme et de la superélasticité. Après élaboration par filage à chaud suivi d'une trempe à l'eau, le matériau est entièrement austénitique β1. Sa microstructure est composée de grains de taille relativement importante, de l'ordre de 400 µm. Ce procédé de fabrication génère une texture cristallographique de type fibre partielle <001>. L'étude de la superélasticité lors d'un essai de traction à température ambiante a mis en évidence le comportement pseudoélastique de l'alliage. L'étude de l'évolution des microdéformations a permis de mettre en avant la forte hétérogénéité de comportement du plan (400). Le pic de diffraction de ce plan présente également un fort élargissement dû aux fautes d'empilements qui est directement à relier à la transformation de phase de l'austénite en martensite. La martensite β'1 de structure monoclinique 18R complexe a été affinée à l'aide d'un modèle de type 6M. Ce modèle permet de rendre compte au mieux de la faible périodicité des fautes d'empilement caractéristiques de cette phase métastable à notre échelle d'analyse caractéristique d'un volume de l'ordre du centimètre cube. Après déformation plastique, la texture cristallographique du matériau a fortement évoluée. Le laminage à froid fait disparaitre la fibre partielle <001>. Aux plus forts taux de déformation plastique par laminage à chaud, la fibre <111> apparait. Cette forte déformation affecte également l'orientation des lattes de martensite. D'autre part, les températures des transformations de phases ainsi que l'hystérésis sont modifiées. Cependant, la structure cristallographique de la martensite générée par déformation plastique est identique à celle obtenue par refroidissement pour notre échelle d'observation. L'étude du retour à l'équilibre des phases métastables après recuit à haute température suivi d'une trempe sur un échantillon déformé plastiquement a montré la disparition totale de la martensite et l'apparition des phases stables α et γ2 pour des températures de recuit entre 500°C et 600°C. Au-delà de 600°C, ces deux phases disparaissent au profit de la phase β. On observe alors un fort grossissement du grain. La texture cristallographique est de nouveau caractérisée par la fibre partielle <001>. / This work deals with the study of metastable phases of CuAlBe shape memory alloy under mechanical and thermal solicitations by neutron diffraction. It enables to define an experimental protocol of characterization of metastable phase transformation.The raw material is fully austenitic at room temperature. Its microstructure is composed by huge grain size, close to 400 µm. The crystallographic texture is characterized by a <001> partial fibber.The study of the superelasticity during a tensile test at room temperature demonstrated the pseudoelastic behaviour of this material. The evolution of microdeformations showed the heterogeneous behaviour, especially for the (400) plane in axial direction. The diffraction peak of this plane family also has an important increase of the width. This increase can be linked to the transformation of the austenite into martensite.The crystallographic structure of the monoclinic martensite β'1 has been refined using the 6M model. This model enables to report the relatively low periodicity of stacking faults characterizing the martensitic transformation.After plastic deformation, the crystallographic texture evolved. The <001> partial fibber disappears. For the larger deformation rates, the <111> fibber appears.This large deformation also affects the martensite variant orientation and modifies the temperature of phase transformation.The return into equilibrium of metastable phases after annealing treatments between 500°C and 600°C followed by a quenching at room temperature on a plastically deformed sample has shown the disappearance of martensite and the growth of α and γ2 stable phases. Beyond 600°C, the grains grow largely. The crystallographic texture is characterized by the <001> partial fibber.

The demographic change in and the higher incidence of degenerative bone disease have resulted in an increase in the number of patients with osteoporotic bone tissue causing. amongst other issues, implant loosening. Revision surgery to treat and correct the loosenings should be avoided, because of the additional patient stress and high treatment costs. Shape memory alloys (SMA) can help to increase the anchorage stability of implants due to their superelastic behavior. The present study investigates the potential of hybridizing NiTi SMA sheets with additively manufactured Ti6Al4V anchoring structures using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology to functionalize a pedicle screw. Different scanning strategies are evaluated, aiming for minimized warpage of the NiTi SMA sheet. For biomechanical tests, functional samples were manufactured. A good connection between the additively manufactured Ti6Al4V anchoring structures and NiTi SMA substrate could be observed though crack formation occurring at the transition area between the two materials. These cracks do not propagate during biomechanical testing, nor do they lead to flaking structures. In summary, the hybrid manufacturing of a NiTi SMA substrate with additively manufactured Ti6Al4V structures is suitable for medical implants.

This study focuses on the laser powder bed fusion processing of NiTi alloys and the feasibility of fabricating very thin stent structures for biomedical applications. A comprehensive correlation between the process and the material’s-structure and properties is established to facilitate the fabrication of NiTi alloys with tailored properties. In the first step, the impact of LPBF processing parameters and post-treatments on evolving the microstructure, texture, superelasticity, and asymmetry is examined. Subsequently, the feasibility of manufacturing very thin mesh structured stents is scrutinized followed by in-depth investigations into differently designed stents considering properties such as surface characteristics, mechanical properties, superelasticity, and recoverability. The obtained results and the represented discussions offer imperative insights, helping to better understand the complexity of the LPBF process and the present challenging aspects. Moreover, detailed contributions are made with the goal of paving the road ahead for the production of patient-specific NiTi stents with enhanced properties. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of Additive Manufacturing is an attractive fabrication method that employs CAD data to selectively melt the metal powder layer by layer via a laser beam and produce a 3D part. This method not only opens a new window in overcoming traditional NiTi fabrication problems but also for producing porous or complex shaped structures. The combination of SLM fabrication advantages with the unique properties of NiTi alloys, such as shape memory effect, superelasticity, high ductility, work output, corrosion, biocompatibility, etc. makes SLM NiTi alloys extremely promising for numerous applications. The SLM process parameters such as laser power, scanning speed, spacing, and strategy used during the fabrication are determinant factors in composition, microstructural features and functional properties of the SLM NiTi alloy. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic study has been conducted over Ni50.8 Ti49.2 (at%) alloy to understand the influence of each parameter individually. It was found that a sharp [001] texture is formed as a result of SLM fabrication which leads to improvements in the superelastic response of the alloy. It was perceived that transformation temperatures, microstructure, hardness, the intensity of formed texture and the correlated thermo-mechanical response are changed substantially with alteration of each parameter. The provided knowledge will allow choosing optimized parameters for tailoring the functional features of SLM fabricated NiTi alloys. Without going through any heat treatments, 5.77% superelasticity with more than 95% recovery ratio was obtained in as-fabricated condition only with the selection of right process parameters. Additionally, thermal treatments can be utilized to form precipitates in Ni-rich SLM NiTi alloys fabricated by low energy density. Precipitation could significantly alter the matrix composition, transformation temperatures and strain, critical stress for transformation, and shape memory response of the alloy. Therefore, a systematic aging study has been performed to reveal the effects of aging time and temperature. It was found that although SLM fabricated samples show lower strength than the initial ingot, heat treatments can be employed to make significant improvements in shape memory response of SLM NiTi. Up to 5.5% superelastic response and perfect shape memory effect at stress levels up to 500 MPa was observed in solutionized Ni-rich SLM NiTi after 18h aging at 350ºC. For practical application, transformation temperatures were even adjusted without solution annealing and superelastic response of 5.5% was achieved at room temperature for 600C-1.5hr aged Ni-rich SLM NiTi. The effect of porosity on strength and cyclic response of porous SLM Ni50.1 Ti49.9 (at%) were investigated for potential bone implant applications. It is shown that mechanical properties of samples such as elastic modulus, yield strength, and ductility of samples are highly porosity level and pore structure dependent. It is shown that it is feasible to decrease Young’s modulus of the SLM NiTi up to 86% by adding porosity to reduce the mismatch with that of a bone and still retain the shape memory response of SLM fabricated NiTi. The shape memory effect, as well as superelastic response of porous SLM Ni50.8Ti49.2,were also investigated at body temperature. 32 and 45% porous samples with similar behaviors, recovered 3.5% of 4% deformation at first cycle. The stabilized superelastic response was obtained after clicking experiments.

Les travaux présentés ont consisté à développer des stratégies d'identification performantes des paramètres des lois de comportement superélastique des Alliages à Mémoire de Forme (AMF). L'objectif est de disposer d'une solution complète de caractérisation, d'identification, et de simulation de structures en AMF soumises à des sollicitations complexes. Une base de données expérimentale unifiée pour un alliage de NiTi superélastique a été établie pour une multitude de trajets de déformation multiaxiaux et à différentes températures : en traction homogène, en compression, en traction-compression et en traction-traction. Une caractérisation expérimentale a été développée sur une plate-forme multiaxiale assemblée au laboratoire durant ce travail. L'emploi de la corrélation d'images a permis d'enrichir la base de données expérimentale en déterminant pour chaque essai les champs cinématiques. Cette collection d'essais a permis de montrer l'importante différence de comportement observée entre les directions de laminage et transverse, bien que le matériau soit faiblement texturé. Des procédures d'identification du comportement thermomécanique des AMF ont été mises en place, basées sur la construction et minimisation d'une fonction objectif régularisée. La première est basée sur l'exploitation des courbes contrainte-déformation moyennes sous chargement homogène et unixial. La seconde exploite la richesse des champs de déformations mesurés en essai hétérogène. Les deux stratégies ont permis d'identifier les huit paramètres gouvernant le comportement superélastique du modèle de Chemisky et al. (Chemisky et al. 2011). Des différences entre les jeux de paramètres identifiés sont caractéristiques des effets d'anisotropie observés. Le succès de cette stratégie démontre sa pertinence et est encourageant pour l'identification de paramètres de lois de comportement anisotropes. / In this work, efficient identification strategies were developed to determine the characteristic parameters of the thermomechanical behavior of pseudoelastic Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). The aim is to obtain a complete solution for characterization, identification and numerical simulation of SMA structures undergoing multiaxial loading paths. A unified experimental database has been constructed to characterize the behavior of superelastic NiTi SMAs. This database includes tension, compression, tension-tension and tension-compression multiaxial tests at different temperatures. A characterization methodology has been developed on a multiaxial testing setup, which has been assembled in the laboratory during this Ph.D. project. Vital information about the strain fields for each test is added to the experimental database through the use of Digital Image Correlation. A significant difference in the thermomechanical behavior between the rolling and transverse directions has been observed, even when the specimens are not strongly textured. Two strategies were developed that rely on the minimization of a regularized cost function for identification of thermomechanical constitutive law parameters. The first identification procedure is based on uniaxial homogeneous tests at different temperatures. In the other strategy the information of strain fields of heterogeneous tests are utilized. In each case, the eight material parameters of the constitutive law of Chemisky et al. (Chemisky et al. 2011) have been identified. A difference between the identified parameters in the rolling and transverse direction is noted and corresponds to the effect of anisotropy. Nevertheless, the capabilities of the relevant identification strategies shall allow the determination of the parameters of anisotropic constitutive laws.

Submitted by Maria Medeiros (maria.dilva1@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-10-09T13:44:00Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ANTÔNIO ARISTÓFANES DA CRUZ GOMES - DISSERTAÇÃO (PPGEM) 2018.pdf: 3128879 bytes, checksum: 1a0aaa662fd3e47d06a1e3545ab63f87 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-09T13:44:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ANTÔNIO ARISTÓFANES DA CRUZ GOMES - DISSERTAÇÃO (PPGEM) 2018.pdf: 3128879 bytes, checksum: 1a0aaa662fd3e47d06a1e3545ab63f87 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-08-07 / CNPq / Os procedimentos cirúrgicos de reconstrução crânio facial vêm se desenvolvendo significativamente e grande parte desse progresso se deve às inovações nas técnicas cirúrgicas e ao emprego de novos materiais na fabricação dos dispositivos de fixação. O objetivo principal é tornar os procedimentos mais eficientes e menos invasivos aos pacientes, consequentemente haverá diminuição nos índices de retrabalhos. O emprego de Ligas com Memória de Forma (LMF) pode ser uma alternativa interessante nesses casos, uma vez que esses materiais possuem um comportamento adaptativo, com a capacidade de reagir a estímulos externos de natureza térmica ou mecânica. As LMF da família Ni-Ti lideram o interesse das pesquisas devido ao maior número de aplicações comerciais, principalmente nas áreas médica e odontológica. Essas LMF Ni-Ti, além de serem biocompatíveis possuem também módulo de elasticidade inferior ao de ligas de titânio, como o Ti-Al-V, e dos aços inoxidáveis. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver um protótipo de placa de fixação óssea, que poderá ser destinada a procedimentos de trauma e reconstrução mandibular, utilizando uma LMF Ni-Ti com características superelásticas. Foi escolhido um elemento de fixação, tipo placa, como modelo para os protótipos e as dimensões foram baseadas em componentes fornecidos comercialmente. Para a fabricação dos dispositivos optou-se pelos processos de fundição de precisão: Plasma Skull Push-Pull (PSPP), e fusão por indução com injeção por centrifugação (FIC), os quais se mostraram bastante eficazes. Foram realizados ensaios de caracterização para determinar as propriedades térmicas e mecânicas do dispositivo fabricado. Os principais resultados foram um componente de rigidez variável com a temperatura, módulo de elasticidade da ordem de 50 GPa na temperatura corpórea e vida em fadiga ente 103 e 106 para amplitudes de deslocamento em flexão entre 0,5 mm e 2,5 mm. Estes resultados de caracterização termomecânica indicam o potencial das LMF Ni-Ti e dos processos de fundição de precisão para a produção de placas de fixação óssea. / Surgical procedures for facial skull reconstruction have been developing significantly and much of this progress is due to innovations in surgical techniques and the use of new materials in the manufacture of fastening devices. The main objective is to make the procedures more efficient and less invasive to the patients, consequently there will be a decrease in the rates of reworking. The use of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) may be an interesting alternative in these cases, since these materials have an adaptive behavior, with the ability to react to external stimuli of a thermal or mechanical nature. The SMA of the Ni-Ti family lead the research interest due to the greater number of commercial applications, mainly in the medical and dental areas. In addition to being biocompatible, these Ni-Ti SMAs also have lower modulus of elasticity than titanium alloys, such as Ti-Al-V, and stainless steels. In this context, the objective of this work is to develop a prototype bone fixation plate, which can be used for trauma and mandibular reconstruction procedures, using a Ni-Ti SMA with superelastic characteristics. A plate-type fastening element was chosen as the prototype model and the dimensions were based on commercially supplied components. In order to manufacture the devices, it was chosen the precision casting processes: Plasma Skull Push-Pull (PSPP) and induction fusion with centrifugal injection (FCI), which proved to be quite effective. Characterization tests were performed to determine the thermal and mechanical properties of the fabricated device. The main results were a variable stiffness component with temperature, modulus of elasticity of the order of 50 GPa at body temperature and fatigue life between 103 and 106 for flexural displacement amplitudes between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm. These thermomechanical characterization results indicate the potential of Ni-Ti SMA and precision casting processes for the production of bone fixation plates.

Submitted by Kilvya Braga (kilvyabraga@hotmail.com) on 2018-04-23T13:32:14Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ROANA D'ÁVILA SOUZA MONTEIRO - DISSERTAÇÃO (PPGEM) 2015.pdf: 3977570 bytes, checksum: e1760f7cd8bdc07cce68f5b1aedd33a2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-23T13:32:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ROANA D'ÁVILA SOUZA MONTEIRO - DISSERTAÇÃO (PPGEM) 2015.pdf: 3977570 bytes, checksum: e1760f7cd8bdc07cce68f5b1aedd33a2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-31 / Capes / As Ligas com Memória de Forma (LMF) constituem uma classe de materiais metálicos que possuem a capacidade de recuperar uma deformação pseudo plástica, introduzida por aplicação de carga mecânica, e retornar à sua forma original através de um simples aquecimento. O principal interesse nos atuadores de LMF utilizados no formato de molas helicoidais reside no grande deslocamento proporcionado pelo fenômeno de Efeito Memória de Forma (EMF), que permite a realização de trabalho mecânico quando este componente é submetido a diferentes condições de temperatura e cargas mecânica. No caso de elementos de LMF em estado de superelasticidade (SE) na temperatura ambiente, quando a carga mecânica é aplicada e mantida sob o material, a deformação originada pela formação de martensita induzida por tensão poderá também ser revertida por meio de um aquecimento. Nesse caso, tem-se um EMF em um elemento de LMF originalmente superelástico. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é realizar a caracterização eletromecânica de uma mini mola superelástica de LMF NiTi (Nitinol) quando submetida a um carregamento mecânico constante, avaliando a influência da taxa de variação da corrente elétrica e do aumento da carga mecânica nas temperaturas de transformação, além de determinar o comportamento do deslocamento com a variação de resistência elétrica. Para isso, foi desenvolvida uma plataforma experimental capaz de submeter a mini mola a carregamento mecânico constante (peso) e sinais de corrente elétrica variáveis com o tempo. Verificou-se que, para todas as cargas mecânicas e níveis de corrente elétrica, os resultados para a taxa de variação da corrente elétrica mais lenta (6 mA/s) apresentou uma melhor resposta em deslocamento e na variação da resistência elétrica quando comparados com a taxa mais rápida (12 mA/s), embora esta última resulte em um comportamento histerético mais estreito (resistência elétrica versus deslocamento). Também foi observado um aumento das temperaturas de transformação com o aumento da carga mecânica, como esperado pela lei de Clausius-Clayperon para LMF. Finalmente, foi verificada uma relação praticamente linear entre a variação do deslocamento e a variação de resistência elétrica, no aquecimento e no resfriamento. / The Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) are a class of metallic materials that have the ability to recover pseudo plastic deformation introduced by the application of mechanical load, and return to original shape by heating. The main interest in the SMA actuators used in the form of coil springs lies in the large displacement provided by the shape memory effect (SME) phenomenon, which allows performing mechanical work when the component is subjected to varying conditions of temperatures and mechanical loads. In the case of SMA elements in a state of superelasticity (SE) at room temperature, when mechanical load is applied and maintained on the material, the deformation caused by the formation of stress induced martensite can be reversed by heating. In this case, we have a SME in a SMA element originally superelastic. In this context, the objective of this work is to realize the electromechanical characterization of a superelastic mini coil spring of Ni-Ti SMA (Nitinol), when subjected to a constant mechanical loading, evaluating the influence of the electric current rate, the influence of mechanical load on the phase transformation temperatures, and determining the displacement behavior to the variation of electrical resistance. For this, an experimental platform was developed to submit the mini spring under constant load (dead weight) to electric current signals varying with time. It was found that for all mechanical loads and electrical current levels, the results for the slower rate of change electrical current (6 mA/s) showed a better response in displacement and the variation in the electrical resistance when compared to faster rate (12 mA/s), although the faster rate present a narrower hysteretic behavior (electrical resistance vs displacement). There was also verified an increase in phase transformation temperatures with increased mechanical load, as expected by the Clausius-Clayperon law for SMA. Finally, a practically linear relationship was found between the change in displacement with the variation in electrical resistance, during heating and cooling.

Les alliages de titane β-métastables biocompatibles suscitent un intérêt croissant pour les applications médicales grâce à leur comportement superélastique et/ou effet mémoire de forme, leur excellente résistance à la corrosion et leur bonne aptitude à la déformation à froid. Dans le cadre de cette thèse, un alliage superélastique Ti-26Nb et un alliage à mémoire de forme Ti-24Nb ont été élaborés en creuset froid en semi-lévitation magnétique et ont fait l'objet d'une caractérisation approfondie sur le plan microstructural et mécanique. Les mécanismes de déformation activés lors d'une sollicitation mécanique ont été identifiés pour les deux alliages au moyen d'essais de traction couplés à des mesures in-situ en diffraction des rayons X. Une procédure d'optimisation basée sur des traitements thermo-mécaniques nano-structurants a été développée pour augmenter simultanément la résistance mécanique et la superélasticité tout en conservant un bas module élastique. Un ensemble de propriétés qui conditionne la réussite de la pose d'implant en améliorant la qualité de transfert des contraintes à l'interface os/implant. Les évolutions microstructurales à l'origine de l'optimisation de ces propriétés ont été étudiées par diffraction des rayons X, microscopie électronique à transmission et essais mécaniques. Ce travail se conclut par une introduction à la modélisation micromécanique du comportement du Ti-26Nb. Les caractéristiques cristallographiques de la transformation martensitique ont été déterminées en se basant sur la théorie de Ball et James. L'influence de l'orientation cristallographique sur le comportement mécanique des monocristaux a été étudiée. / Biocompatible metastable β-titanium alloys have attracted much attention for biomedical applications in recent years thanks to their superelastic and/or shape memory behavior, their superior corrosion resistance and their excellent cold workability. In this present study, a superelastic Ti-26Nb alloy and a shape memory Ti-24Nb alloy were produced by the cold crucible levitation melting method. A detailed microstructural and mechanical characterization were performed. The deformation mechanisms occurring during uniaxial deformation were identified for these two alloys by coupling in situ tensile testing with X-ray diffraction measurement. An optimization route based on nanostructuring process was developed in order to enhance both strength and superelasticity while keeping a low elastic modulus. These properties are required to improve the load transfer along the bone/implant interface which is essential to the success of implants. The microstructural evolution during the thermomechanical process resulting in the optimization of properties was investigated through tensile tests, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microcopy. The last part of this study deals with an introduction of micromechanical modeling of the Ti-26Nb behavior. The crystallographic features of the martensitic transformation were determined by applying the Ball and James theory. The influence of the crystallographic orientation on the mechanical response was investigated for tension and compression.

Dans ce travail, des modèles thermomécaniques basés sur une approche non-locale sont proposés pour décrire le comportement des Alliages à Mémoire de Forme (AMF) avec la prise en compte des effets de la localisation et de la chaleur latente lors de la transformation de phase. Ces modèles sont obtenus comme des extensions d’un modèle local existant. Pour décrire la localisation de la transformation de phase, l’extension du modèle initial a consisté à le réécrire dans un contexte non-local par l’introduction d’une nouvelle variable, définie comme la contrepartie non-locale de la fraction volumique de martensite déjà présente dans le modèle local. L’exploitation de ce modèle a nécessité le développement d’un élément fini spécial dans ABAQUS avec la fraction volumique non-locale de martensite comme un degré de liberté supplémentaire. Les simulations réalisées montrent la pertinence d’une telle approche dans la description de la transformation de phase dans des structures minces en AMF, soumises à des chargements thermomécaniques. Pour décrire les effets de la chaleur latente, une équation d’équilibre thermique ayant comme terme source des contributions dépendant de la transformation de phase a été adjointe au modèle initial. Là encore, l’exploitation du modèle a nécessité le développement d’un élément fini qui prend en compte le couplage thermomécanique et la formulation proposée pour l’équilibre thermique. Les simulations numériques réalisées ont montré l’effet retardant sur la transformation de phase de la chaleur latente, et le caractère hétérogène possible de la transformation dans ce cas. Ces effets sont d’autant plus importants que la vitesse de déformation est élevée / In this Phd thesis, thermo-mechanical models based on a nonlocal approach are proposed in order to describe the behavior of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA), taking into account localization and latent heat effects during phase transformation. These models are obtained as extensions of an existing local model. In order to describe the localization of phase transformation, the extension of the initial model consisted of rewriting it in a nonlocal context through the introduction of a new variable, defined as the nonlocal counterpart of the martensite volume fraction. The use of this model has required the development of a specific finite element in ABAQUS with the nonlocal martensite volume fraction as an additional degree of freedom. The simulations show the relevance of such an approach in the description of the phase transformation occurring in thin SMA structures subjected to thermo-mechanical loadings. To achieve the description of the latent heat effects, a heat balance equation with a source term depending on contributions of the phase transformation was added to the constitutive equations of the initial model. Even there, the use of the model required the development of a finite element which takes into account the thermo-mechanical coupling and considers the proposed formulation for the thermal balance. Numerical simulations have shown the delaying effect of the latent heat on phase transformation and the possible heterogeneous character of the phase transformation in this case. These effects are even more important as the strain rate is high