Shape Memory Alloy

This module is designed for year 7–8 students and can be taught alone or in conjunction with the Properties module as part of a semester long nanotechnology unit. It is a good fit with the curriculum, covering topics such as the periodic table and the properties of metals. Students will also be introduced to a class of materials called shape memory alloys and will learn about the characteristics of these materials and their applications using Nitinol as an example.

Module Guide

• Module Guide Word (76kb)

• Module Presentation Powerpoint (4.4mb)

Experiment 1: Investigating Nitinol

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.

• Experiment Guide Word (240kb)

• Experiment Word (232kb)

Activity 3: Designing with Nitinol

They then explore the many applications of SMA, including an activity where students research current applications of Nitinol.

At the end of the module, students become innovators, creating their own products, gadgets and designs with Nitinol. These activities are ideal to integrate with many other disciplines in the school curriculum.

• Activity Guide Word (64kb)

• Activity Word (60kb)