This project initiated an overall effort toward the technical development and eventual public release of standardized test methods for Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) materials and actuator components for use in certifiable aerospace applications. The effort focuses solely on the use of SMA material as a thermally induced actuator.
Multiple research organizations are currently pursuing development of SMA actuator applications. Due to lack of universally accepted standards, these organizations are forced to identify and define key properties and institute independent and often conflicting testing protocols and procedures.
The SMA Project Management Committee (PMC) is leading a collaborative effort to transform this situation by forming public standards in collaboration with an established standards development organization.
Project Results
The SMA PMC has published an Open Access peer-reviewed journal article outlining their proposed approach toward generation of SMA testing standards.
Standardization of Shape Memory Alloy Test Methods toward Certification of Aerospace Applications
The PMC authored article can be downloaded free from the journal via the above link.
Project Objectives
- Define the material and shape memory properties that are critical to the SMA material’s performance as an actuator.
- Select standardized test methods used to measure the material and shape memory properties on existing and new alloys.
- Perform initial experimental assessment of the chosen test methods.
- Identify existing standards development organizations for collaboration
Follow-on Projects
- Submitting test methods to industry, regulatory, and expert organizations for comment and to begin the process toward standards publication. Methods will be independently evaluated by testing a statistically significant number of samples.
- Standardized test methods will be finalized in partnership with a selected standards body resulting in a formalized recommendation to regulatory agencies.
