Establishing adaptive ultrasonics through shape memory materials

超声波在社会的各个领域都很常见，从外科手术到停车传感器系统。目前，超声波设备只被设计成以一种方式高效工作，受到我们可以使用的材料的限制。然而，想象一下，通过使用一种我们可以控制其特性的设备，能够进行更快、更安全的超声波手术，从而降低组织损伤和加快患者恢复。还可以想象一种可以通过受控刺激治愈的设备。有一些材料可以用来改造超声波设备，创造出具有更高性能的设备，包括适应性和自我修复能力。这些功能可以通过使用不同类型的材料来实现，这种类型的材料可以训练成我们想要的方式表现。这些智能材料可以被训练成对温度、磁场或电场、力、pH值的变化做出反应，在某些情况下甚至是光。这个项目研究的是我们如何设计一种特定类型的智能材料，这种材料可以被训练来改变其材料属性和形状，从而在超声波中创造一种转变。我们可以将这种材料称为形状记忆材料，其中镍钛醇是当今最常用的材料。超声波已经无处不在，我们下一步必须通过发现和控制形状记忆材料的令人兴奋的特性来改善生活。这项研究是通往未来智能材料的门户--那些可以做出决定的材料。

Ultrasonics is common in all areas of society, from surgery to car parking sensor systems. Presently, an ultrasonic device is only designed to work efficiently in one way, limited by the materials we can use. However, imagine being able to undertake faster and safer ultrasonic surgery, resulting in lower tissue damage and faster patient recovery, by using a device whose properties we can control. Also imagine a device which can heal through a controlled stimulus. There are materials we can use to transform ultrasonic devices, to create those with higher performance capabilities, including adaptability and self-healing. These features can be realised by using a different type of material, a type we can train to behave in the way we want. These smart materials can be trained to react to changes in temperature, magnetic or electric field, force, pH, and in some cases even light. This project studies the science of how we can engineer a specific type of smart material which can be trained to transform its material properties and shape, to create a transformation in ultrasonics. We can refer to this material as a shape memory material, of which Nitinol is the most popular in use today. Ultrasonics is already ubiquitous, and it is essential we make this next step to improve lives by uncovering and controlling the exciting properties of shape memory materials. This research is a gateway to future intelligent materials - those which can make decisions.