Superelasticity

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Superelastic alloys belong to the larger family of shape memory alloys. When mechanically loaded, a superelastic alloy deforms reversibly to very high strains - up to 10% - by the creation of a stress-induced phase. When the load is removed, the new phase becomes unstable and the material regains its original shape. Unlike shape-memory alloys, no change in temperature is needed for the alloy to recover its initial shape.

Superelastic devices take advantage of their large, reversible deformation and include antennas, eyeglass frames, and biomedical stents. Nickel Titanium is an example of an alloy exhibiting superelasticity.

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