Multiple memory material technology: high temperature alloy processing, actuator controls and cyclic performance evaluation

滑铁卢大学（University of Waterloo）和Smarter Alloys Inc.之间拟议的合作研究与开发项目，旨在弥合形状记忆合金（SMA）研究与其在汽车应用中的应用之间的差距。在过去的研发计划中，Smarter Alloys Inc.展示了他们的新型多记忆材料（MMM） SMA加工技术，克服了之前阻碍SMA执行器在汽车行业应用的设计挑战。在这个项目中，剩下的挑战将被解决，如为MMM加工的SMA执行器开发一个强大的控制系统，加工高相变温度的NiTi合金，以及提高循环性能。该项目的成功完成将产生一个可工作的SMA汽车皮带张紧器原型，展示MMM技术提供的增强性能。在该项目中开发的工程知识和专业知识将立即转移到其他汽车应用，甚至不同的行业，如航空航天，医疗和微电子行业，这些行业已经使用传统的SMA技术。

The proposed collaborative research and development project, between the University of Waterloo and Smarter Alloys Inc., aims to bridge the gap between shape memory alloy (SMA) research and their implementation in automotive applications. In past research and development initiatives, Smarter Alloys Inc. showed that their novel multiple memory material (MMM) SMA processing technology overcame design challenges that previously retarded the application of SMA actuators in the automotive industry. In this project remaining challenges will be addressed such as, developing a robust control system for MMM processed SMA actuators, processing high phase transformation temperature NiTi alloys, and improving cyclic performance. The successful completion of this project will result in a working underhood SMA automotive belt tensioner prototype, demonstrating enhanced performance provided by the MMM technology. The engineering knowledge and expertise developed in this project will be immediately transferable to other automotive applications and even different industries such as, aerospace, medical, and micro-electronics industries who already utilize traditional SMA technologies.