MODULE - 4

Engineering Materials
& Joining Processes
SYLLABUS CONTENT
Introduction to engineering materials:
 Composite materials.
 Classification of composites.
 Matrix and reinforcements, PMC, MMC, CMC.
 Shape memory alloys.

Joining Processes:
 Introduction to Joining Process
 Classification of welding process
 Arc welding, gas welding,
 Types of gas flames
 Soldering and brazing.
Self-Study Components: Applications of composites and shape memory alloys.
JOINING PROCESS
WELDING
 INTRODUCTION

 Welding is a fabrication process in which two or more workpieces,

usually metals are joined permanently to form a single component.

 This is carried out with or without the use of filler metal and with
or without the application of pressure.

 Applications – Ship building, automobiles, aircraft, power plants,

building and bridge constructions, storage tanks, pressure vessels,
refrigerators, machine tools etc.,
ADVANTAGES OF WELDING

 Good strength of joint.

 It is leak proof joint.
 It can be portable.
 It prevents corrosion.
 Similar or dissimilar materials of any thickness can be easily welded.
 Parts can be fabricated at reasonable costs.

Disadvantages of welding

 It is permanent joint, disassembly is not possible.

 Skilled operator is require to produce a good joint.
 Equipment cost is high.
 Unbalanced heat input leads to form residual stresses.
 Metallurgical properties changes which disturbs base metal.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF WELDING PROCESSES
PREPARATION OF JOINT

Edge preparation in
welding

Edge preparation
involves TWO operations

 Preparation of joint
 Cleaning of joint
 CLEANING OF JOINT

 Workpiece surfaces having contaminants like oil, grease, dirt, oxides,

paint etc.

 Cleaning is done either Chemically or Mechanically.

 Chemically – by using Acetone or carbon tetrachloride solution.

 Mechanically – by using wire brush, hand files or grinding process.

ARC WELDING PROCESS
 PRINCIPLE OF ARC WELDING

 When two conductors of an electric circuit are touched momentarily and then
instantaneously separated slightly, Assuming there is sufficient voltage in the circuit
to maintain a flow of current, an electric arc is formed.
 Concentrated heat is produced throughout the length of the arc at temp of 50000 C to
60000 C
 Parts to be welded are wired as one pole of the circuit and electrode held by the
operator forms the other pole.
 When the arc is formed, the heat from the arc melts the work piece which is directly
under the arc forming small molten pool.
 PRINCIPLE OF ARC WELDING

 At the mean time electrode also melts and is thoroughly mixed with the base metal.

 A solid joint is formed when the molten metal is cooled and solidified.

 The flux coating over the electrode produces an inert gaseous shield surrounding the
arc and prevents the molten metal from oxidizing by coming in contact with the
atmosphere
 PRINCIPLE OF ARC WELDING

 Both AC and DC are used for arc welding.

 For AC arc welding a step-up transformer is used. It receives AC supply

between 230V and transforms it to required high voltage of 400 to
440V.

 A high current of 100 to 400A is suitable for arc welding.

ELECTRODES USED IN ARC WELDING
They are classified into TWO types

 Consumable electrodes

 Coated
 Bare (Plain)
 Tubular

 Non-Consumable electrodes
 What is electrode?

 It is a piece of wire or rod, with or without filler material

that carries current for welding.

 Electrode diameter ranges from 1.25 to 1.5mm

 Selection of electrode

 Chemical composition of the base metal

 Thickness of the workpiece

 Nature of electrode coating and behaviour

 Type of joint.
WELDING DEFECTS

1. Cracking

2. Incorrect edge preparations

3. Craters

4. Under cutting

5. Porous weld

6. Over welding
 GAS WELDING

 It is a fusion welding, in which a strong gas flame is used to raise the

temperature of the work piece to melt them.
 The gases that can be used for heating are

(i) oxygen and acetylene

(ii) oxygen and hydrogen
 Oxy-acetylene gas mixture is most commonly used in gas welding
OXY-ACETYLENE WELDING

 Right proportions of oxygen and acetylene are mixed in the welding torch
and then ignited.
 The flame produced is called as the oxy-acetylene flame

 The temperature attained in this welding is around 32000C hence has an

ability to melt all commercial metals
GAS WELDING (OXY – ACETYLENE)
 WORKING PRINCIPLE
 The typical oxy-acetylene welding process is shown in fig.
 After the initial equipment preparation, the to-be welded component setup and safety checks are
completed, the pressure regulators fitted to the oxygen and oxyacetylene cylinders are adjusted to draw
the oxygen and acetylene gas in the required proportions from the cylinders respectively.
 The pressure regulator in each of the cylinders is fitted with two gauges.
 One gauge indicates the gas pressure inside the cylinder and the other gauge indicates the reduced
pressure at which the gas goes out.
 The respective gases from the cylinders are carried from the pressure regulator to the welding torch
using the rubber hose pipe.
 Upon reaching the welding torch, these gases are allowed to mix in a mixing chamber and then are led
out of the torch through the orifice of the blow pipe.
 The resultant flame at 3200oC is used to melt the work pieces. To fill up the gap between work pieces
and to add strength to the joint, filler rods are added to the molten metal pool.
 The molten metal pool that contains molten metal of the filler rod and the work pieces solidifies to form
a welded joint.
TYPES OF OXY-ACETYLENE FLAMES
NEUTRAL FLAME

• A neutral flame is obtained by

supplying equal volume of oxygen
and acetylene

• It consists of a small whitish inner

cone surrounded by sharply
defined blue flame

• Most of the gas welding is done

using the neutral flame
CARBURIZING FLAME

• This is obtained by supplying excess

of acetylene in the gas ratio

• It has 3 cones, an inner white cone

,surrounded by an intermediate
whitish cone known as

“intermediate flame feather”

and a bluish envelope flame

• This flame is used for welding alloy

steels, cast iron, aluminum.
OXIDIZING FLAME

• This is obtained when there is

excess of oxygen.

• It appears to be like that of

neutral flame, but the inner
white cone flame is shorter
than that of neutral flame

• This flame is generally used in

metal cutting rather than
welding since weld metal gets
oxidized
Advantages of oxy-acetylene welding
1. Most versatile process of welding with wide use in various manufacturing process
2. Low cost of the equipment and low cost of maintenance of the equipment
3. Because of separate heat source and filler metal the control can be exercised on the rate at
which the filler metal deposits.
4. The rate of heating and cooling is slow. This help in retaining the structural homogeneity.
5. The equipment is portable and multi-functional because, apart from gas welding, it can also
be used in torch brazing, braze welding, preheating and post heating.
Disadvantages of oxy-acetylene welding
1. Difficult to attain low cost target while joining heavy section.
2. Handling and storage of gases not an easy job.
3. It takes long time for the flame to heat up the metal piece than compared to the arc welding.
4. Possible hazards due to explosion of gases.
 Soldering
 Joining of similar or dissimilar metals by means of a filler metal whose melting
temperature is below 450o C.
 Filler metal is called solder usually it is an alloy of tin and lead in various
proportions.
 Solder is allowed to flow into the gap (capillary action) between two workpieces.
Solder solidifies upon cooling and forms a joint.
 The joint which is produced although is not as strong as the base metal
Surface preparation in soldering
 Remove contaminants like oil, rust, scale, paint and other impurities
either mechanically or chemically (Acetone solution).

 Next is applying flux (liquid or semi-liquid)

• Prevents oxidation of base metal
• Acts as wetting agent
• Cleans the surface
Advantage Disadvantage
Low power requirement Flux residues should be removed
Low temperature process Thick parts cannot be efficiently joined
Dissimilar parts can be soldered Soldering joints cannot be used in high
Thin parts can be joined easily temperature application
Strength of joint is low
Applications
Assembling electronic components to PCB’s
Connection between copper pipes
Sheet metal like food can, metal container etc.
Semi-permanent patch for leak in a container or cooking vessel
Types of solder
An alloy which melts at low temperature

Soft solder
• Lead = 37% Tin = 63%
• Low melting point (150oC-190oC)
• Joints not subjected to high load and temperature

Hard solder
• Lead = 97.5% silver = 2.5% or
• Silver = 50% copper = 34% zinc = 16%
• Melting point (300oC-600oC)
• Joints can resist high load and temperature
Brazing
Operation
BRAZING

 Brazing is the method of joining two similar or dissimilar metals

using a special fusible alloy
 Joints formed by brazing are stronger than that of soldering
 The materials used for brazing are copper base alloys or silver base
alloys and it is called as “spelter”
 BRAZING PROCEDURE

 Cleaning the surface of the parts

 Application of flux at the place of joint
 Common borax and mixture of borax and boric acid is used as flux
 The joint and the filler material is heated by gas welding torch above the
melting temperature of the filler material
 It flows into the joint space and a solid joint is formed after cooling
BRAZING

 During brazing, the base metal of the two pieces

to be joined is not melted.
 The filler metal must have ability to wet the surfaces
of the base metal to which it is applied.
 Some diffusion or alloying of the filler metal with
base metal takes place even though the base metal
does not reach its melting temperature
Advantages of Brazing
1. It is easy to learn.
2. It is possible to join virtually any dissimilar metals.
3. The bond line is very neat aesthetically.
4. Joint strength is strong enough for most non-heavy-duty type of
application.
Disadvantages of Brazing
1. Brazed joints can be damaged under high temp.
2. Brazed joint require a high degree of cleanliness.
3. The joint colour is often different from that of the base metal.
 BRAZING SOLDERING WELDING

1. In brazing filler metal is having the melting Soldering using the filler metal having the Welding using the filler metal having the
point greater than 4500 C melting point less than 4500 C melting point nearly equal to the base metal
Capillary action is also present in soldering No capillary action is present. Joint takes
2. Joints takes place due to capillary action between the base metal and filler metal. place due to fusion.
between the base metal and the filler metal
Base metal does not melt.
3. Base metal does not melt Base metal melts in welding.
Filler metal is having the melting point less
4. Filler metal is having the melting point less than the base metal. Filler metal is having the melting point same
than the base metal. as base metal.

Filler metal is uniformly distributed because Filler metal melts and gets mixed with the
5. Filler metal is uniformly distributed because of of capillary action base metal
capillary action.
Joints are weaker than brazing
Joints are stronger as compared to brazing,
6. Joints are stronger than soldering but weaker soldering.
than welding
It uses the filler metal which contains lead It uses the filler metal mostly having the
7. It was uses filler metal which contains copper and tin. same composition as that of base metal.
and zinc etc.
SYLLABUS
Module-4
Engineering Materials & Joining Processes

Introduction to engineering materials, composite materials, classification

of composites, matrix and reinforcements, PMC, MMC, CMC, shape
memory alloys.
Joining Processes: Introduction, classification of welding process, arc
welding, gas welding, types of gas flames, soldering and brazing.
Self-Study Components: Applications of composites and shape memory alloys.
 ENGINEERING
MATERIALS

NON –
METALS METALLIC
MATERIALS

FERROUS NON – FERROUS NATURAL SYNTHETIC

METALS METALS MATERIALS MATERIALS

Aluminium,
Pig Iron, Cast Iron, Wood, Rubber, Glass,
Copper, Nickel, Plastic, Ceramics,
Wrought Iron and Diamond, Emery, Oils,
Lead, Tin, Zinc, Composites
Steel Silicon, etc.
Gold, Silver, etc.
 FERROUS METALS
Ferrous Applications
Process Composition Properties
Metals
Pig Iron Product of smelting iron Carbon=3.5 to 4.5% Very brittle and not It is used in making wrought iron,
ore with high carbon fuel Silicon=0.5 to 3% directly used as a cast iron and steel.
like coke and limestone Sulphur=0.04 to 0.2% material.
as flux material in Blast Manganese= 0.5 to 2.5%
furnace. Phosphorous=0.04 to 1%

Cast Iron Produced when pig iron Carbon=2 to 4.5% Very strong but brittle. Machine frames, Columns, Beds,
is re-melted in a Cupola Silicon=1 to 3% and traces of Low melting point, Wear Plates, Housings, Flywheels,
furnace along with scrap Sulphur, Manganese & resistant, Good fluidity & Automotive parts such as engine
iron. CI can be further Phosphorous. Good machinability blocks, Cylinder heads, Gearbox
divide GCI, WCI, MCI, cases, etc., which are not subjected
DCI. to shocks.

Wrought Produced form Pig iron Carbon=0.02% Soft, Highly ductile and Engine bolts, rivets, railway couplings,
Iron by burning carbon, Silicon=0.12% has very high toughness. boiler tubes, horseshoes, ornamental
silicon, manganese, Sulphur=0.018% Good machinability, iron works, etc.
phosphorous and Phosphorous=0.07% Corrosion resistance,
Sulphur in a puddling high melting point and
furnace. It is composed not suitable for casting.
of 99.8% iron.
 Ferrous Process Composition Properties Applications
Metals

Steel (Alloy Produced by either basic Carbon = 0.5 to 1.5% The role of carbon in steel Nails, chains, rivets, bolts,
of Iron and oxygen steelmaking and traces of silicon, is important because of its keys angles, channels
Carbon). process or by electric arc Sulphur, phosphorous amount and microstructure beams, forgings, plates,
Steels are furnace process. and manganese. decides various properties shafts, gears, axles,
broadly of steel such as strength, connecting rods,
classified as hardness and response to spindles, couplings,
Carbon heat treatment. springs, hand tools saws,
Steels, Alloy dies, cutting tools, etc.
Steels Tool
Steels.
Non-Ferrous
Metals
Process Properties Applications

It is a silvery while soft and Good strength to weight ratio, resistance to Metallurgical applications,
ductile material. It is found in corrosion, light weight, high electrical and thermal Electrical industry, Aircraft
hydrated aluminum oxide or conductivity, ease of fabrication, etc. industry, Automotive application,
Bauxite. It is produced by Hall- Packaging industry, Domestic use,
Aluminum
Heroult process. Duralumin (Al, Construction industry, etc.
Cu, Mg, Mn, Fe and Si) and Y-
Alloy (Al, Cu, Ni, Mg) are its
two important alloys
Extracted from ores called High electrical conductivity, Good corrosion R & AC, Electrical works, Roofing
copper pyrites in a resistance, Light weight, High ductility, Malleable and Sheathing, chemical plants,
Reverberatory furnace where and soft, Good machineability, Good castability, sculptures, statues, Pump parts,
ore is refined and then the Good bearing metal, Good fatigue strength, etc. Marine fittings,Valves, Fuses,
impure copper is further Radiator shells, head lamp
refined by electrolytic process. reflectors, Ornaments, Musical
Copper Copper and its alloys are instruments, etc.
classified as Brass (Copper &
Zinc) and Bronze (Copper &
Tin)
Non-
Ferrous Process Composition Properties Applications
Metals
It is a soft and Common alloying Malleable and ductile, Poor Solders, Grid or plate in lead
malleable metal elements are Antimony, tensile strength, high co-eff acid batteries, Water pipes,
obtained from its Tin, Arsenic & Calcium of thermal expansion, anti- Paint industry, Building
ores (Galena ore) to obtain Solder, Babbitt frictional properties, etc. industry-cladding, bullets for
Lead and found as oxides metal, Lead foils, etc. firearms, etc.
or sulphides.
Non-
Ferrous Process Composition Properties Applications
Metals
Silvery white lustrous By alloying with Nickel , Corrosion resistance, Ductile, Alloying element (65%) for steel
metal which is rarely copper, chromium, Iron, Al, Can be easily cast, drawn into to make Stainless steel, Piping
extracted from core of etc., we get Monel metal, wires, etc. systems, Pump shafts,Valves,
earth crust, hence German Silver, Nichrome, Propeller shafts, Electrical work,
extracted from sulphide Hastelloy C, Inconel, Gas turbine blades, Combustors,
Nickel ores, etc. Constantan, etc. Pressure vessels, Heat
exchangers,Thermocouples,
Cooking utensils, Medical
equipment's, etc.

Heavy bluish white metal Common alloys of zinc are Fair conductor of electricity, Galvanizing (Electroplated with
extracted from zinc cadmium-zinc, magnesium- Low melting & boiling points, liquid zinc), Galvanized steel,
sulphide by zinc, copper-zinc, lead-zinc, Corrosion resistant, Good Battery containers, Roof
hydrometallurgical iron-zinc, etc. castablity, etc. covering, Die casting process,
Zinc treatment. etc.
 Non-
Ferrous Process Composition Properties Applications
Metals
Silvery white metal By alloying with Soft, Malleable, Ductile, Steel containers for storing
obtained from an oxide copper, antimony, Corrosion resistant, Low food, Cooking utensils,
called tin stone by bismuth & lead alloys melting point, etc. Alloying elements in soft
refining in a such as Pewter and solder, Mirror frames, Roofing
Tin
reverberatory furnace. Britannica metal are material, Decorative objects,
obtained. Statues, Teapots, etc.
 Non-
Ferrous Process Properties Applications
Metals

It is a naturally occurring metal It is little harder than gold and is Jewellery, Ornaments, Coins, Mirrors,
which is soft, white & lustrous. very ductile and malleable. High Tableware and Utensils, PCB’s, Dental
Silver electrical and thermal alloys, Photography, In brazing and
conductivity. soldering, etc.

It is a bright yellow, dense, soft, Resistant to corrosion and Bars for monetary exchange, Ornaments
malleable and ductile metal. It tarnishing. It reflects heat and is and jewellery, Dentistry, Spaceships,
naturally occurs in form of good conductor of electricity Electronic circuits, Gold foils in the
nuggets, grains in rocks, in veins and is expensive metal. engine, Making of trophies, cups, medals,
Gold and in alluvial deposits. etc.
 NATURAL MATERIALS

Material Process / Properties Applications

Hardest naturally occurring precious stone,

Diamond Cutting tools, jewellery
colorless crystalline pure carbon

Neutral, chemical substance, viscous liquid,

Cooking, paints, light lamps, lubrication, cosmetics, fuel,
Oils high carbon & hydrogen content, normally
etc.
flammable

Shiny dark gray crystalline form & Transistors, rectifiers, solar cells, glass manufacturing
Silicon
amorphous powder. and grinding
 SYNTHETIC
MATERIALS

Material Process / Properties Applications

Plastics: Organic polymers of high molecular mass derived from carbon-based materials normally from crude
oil, coal or gas in petrochemical refineries.

Soften & get formed by application of heat

• Thermoplastics
takes shape of the form, again soften when Acrylic & styrene, pipes, tubes, utensils, etc.
reheated

• Thermosetting Soften by application of heat & upon cooling

Polyester resins used in glass reinforced plastic works, melamine
plastics gets moulded into the mould shape, again
formaldehyde, Formica for kitchen work & furniture
doesn’t soften when reheated

Inorganic, non-metallic solid manufactured

by baking clays at high temperatures after
Insulators, cutting tool tips, dies, engine parts, pottery, tiles,
Ceramics moulding to shapes. Silicon di-oxide and
refractory bricks, etc.
Alumina-Aluminum oxide are the common
types of Ceramics used.
 Composite Materials

A Composite is defined as a combination of

two or more dissimilar materials which have
different interfaces between them resulting
enhanced properties compared to the
individual constituent materials.

Examples:
 Cemented carbides
 Plastic molding compounds containing fillers
 Rubber mixed with carbon black
 Wood (a natural composite as distinguished from a
synthesized composite)
 Composite Materials

A Composite is defined as a combination of

two or more dissimilar materials which have
different interfaces between them resulting
enhanced properties compared to the Plastic consumption uses by field
individual constituent materials.

Examples:
 Cemented carbides
 Plastic molding compounds containing fillers
 Rubber mixed with carbon black
 Wood (a natural composite as distinguished from a
synthesized composite)
Natural Wood
 Constituents of Composite

Reinforcements (Fiber) – is in the Matrix – in the form of liquid or gel which

form of rods, strands, fibers or  Holds fibers together
particles which;
 Protects abrasion & from environment
 contribute desired properties
 Distributes fibers & loads uniformly
 load carrying capacity
 Enhance properties like transverse strength
 Transferring Strength to matrix & provides good surface finish
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPOSITES

COMPOSITES

Based on Type of Based on

Reinforcing
Matrix Material Material Structure

Metal Ceramic Polymer Fiber

Particulate Laminate
Matrix Matrix Matrix Reinforced
Composites Composites
Composites Composites Composites Composites
[PC] [LC]
[MMC] [CMC] [PMC] [FRC]
 METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES [MMC]
Composition
Metal + Metal or Ceramic or an Organic Compound + Metal Matrix
MMC
Example:
Ceramic (Oxides, carbides) or Metallic (lead, tungsten, molybdenum)
+
Matrix (Aluminium, Magnesium, Iron, Cobalt, Copper)
=
MMC (Metal matrix composites)
Properties: High specific strength, stiffness, high operating temperature,
wear resistance, low coefficient of thermal expansion

Applications: Pistons, robotic arms, high speed vehicles, shafts,

automotive parts, spacecraft, missile structure, fighter aircrafts.
METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES [MMC]
 CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITES
[CMC]

Composition
Ceramic fiber + Ceramic Matrix = CMC
Example:
Ceramic fiber (Carbon fiber)
+
Ceramic Matrix (Carbon, Silicon carbide, Alumina, zirconia)
=
CMC (Ceramic matrix composites)
Properties: Corrosion resistance, High compressive strength, high thermal shock resistance, high
mechanical strength but low crack resistance.
Applications: Automotive parts, space applications, Gas turbine, Pump application- liners, vanes,
blades, flaps, Bearings of pumps, cutting tools.
 POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES
[PMC]
Composition
short or continuous fiber + organic polymer Matrix = PMC
Example:
Fiber (Carbon, glass, steel fiber)
+
Polymer Matrix (Polyester, Epoxy, polycarbonate, polyvinylchloride, nylon, polystyrene)
=
PMC (Polymer matrix composites)
Properties: High strength & stiffness, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance

Applications: Aerospace, Marine, automotive applications, constructions – bridge decks, column

wraps, storage tanks, pressure vessels, pipes, ducts, bike frames, golf clubs, sanitary wares, sinks,
furniture, etc.
 PARTICULATE COMPOSITES [PC]

Composition
Particles + Matrix = PARTICULATE COMPOSITES
Example:
Flakes, powders, platelets, chopped fibers, hollow sphere, carbon nanotubes
+
Matrix material
=
PC (Particulate composites)
Properties: High tensile strength & toughness, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance,
less dense, high strength to weight ratio
Applications: Automotive applications, turbine wheels, valves, seals, cell phone casings,
helmets, piston & cylinder, vehicle tyres.
 FIBRE REINFORCED COMPOSITES [FRC]

Composition
Axial particles in fiber form + Matrix = FRC
Example:
Metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, graphite
+
Matrix material
=
FRC (Fibre reinforced composites)
Properties: High strength, high elastic modulus, less dense, high strength to weight ratio
Applications: Sports equipment, bicycle, body parts of racing cars, wings, fuselage, aircraft tail
assembly
Classification of Fiber Reinforced Composites [FRC]
a) Continuous Fiber Reinforced Composites
b) Discontinuous Fiber Reinforced Composites
1. Discontinuous and aligned fibers
2. Discontinuous and randomly oriented fibers
 LAMINATE COMPOSITES [LC]

Composition
Laminate + Matrix = LC (sandwich panels)
Example:
Glass, graphite, silicon carbide, boron
+
Matrix material (epoxy, alumina, polyimides, titanium)
=
LAMINATE COMPOSITES (Formica, plywood)
Properties: High stiffness, coefficient of expansion

Applications: Aircraft skin materials, furniture, interiors, etc.

 ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

 Non-corrosive & chemical resistant

 Wear resistance
 Light weight amounts to significant savings in material cost
 Outstanding strength – weight ratio
 Good resilience
 Good thermal properties, good insulator
 High strength protects against blast & ballistic threats
 Good fire resistant hence used for electrical parts
 Innovative designs can be achieved
 High surface finish not necessary
 Any color any shade composite can be obtained
 DISADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

 Cost of fabrication is high

 More brittle than wrought metals, hence easily damaged
 Composites cannot be repaired easily
 Repair requires right pressure & tool
 Cracks & flaws may go undetected
 Hot curing is required
 Time consuming
 Cost of raw materials used for manufacture is high
 Non – isotropic
 Environmental degradation
 Mechanical characterization is complex
 APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

 Aircraft / Aerospace Industry

 Automobile Industry
 Sports Equipment
 Construction Industry
 Wind Energy Applications
 Marine Applications
 Military Applications
Aircraft Applications
Automobile Applications
Marine Applications
Construction Applications
MILLENNIUM DOME
HOME PLANET ZONE
SPHERICAL
RADOMES
CONCRETE COLUMN REINFORCEMENT
BRIDGE ENCLOSURES
Sports Applications
Wind Energy Applications
 SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS (SMART MATERIALS)

 Smart materials also termed as “Intelligent materials” are the ones which display repeatable change in
properties with respect to the change in external conditions.

 They perform both sensing and actuating functions in response to an outside stimulus or signals.

 Shape Memory Alloy is a Type 2 Smart Material (SMA, Electrostrictives, Magnetostrictives,

Photovoltaics, LED’s etc.)

 Electrostriction is the deformation (expansion and/or contraction) of solid-state materials with zero
polarization due to small displacements of ions from their equilibrium positions under an applied
electric field.
 SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS (SMART MATERIALS)
 SMA exhibit shape memory effect.

 These alloys when plastically deformed at one temperature and completely regain to their original shape when
raised to a certain higher temperature.

 The materials have the ability to generate a force or motion.

 NiTi-base (Nickel - Titanium), Cu-based alloy (Cu-Zn-Al or Cu-Zn-Ni) and Fe-based alloys are the three alloy
systems.

 Austenite and Martensite are the best examples. (Ice & Water)

 It is an important element in NEMS (Nano electro-mechanical system) and MEMS (Micro electro-mechanical
system).

 Some of the applications are Thermal triggers/actuators, Morphing structures, Piping systems for power plants,
ships and petroleum industry,Aerospace industry, dental materials, etc.
SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS (SMART MATERIALS)