Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Shape Memory Alloy-Based Periodic Cellular Structures, Phase II
Project Introduction
This SBIR Phase II effort will continue to develop and demonstrate an innovative shape memory alloy (SMA) periodic cellular structural technology. Periodic cellular structures (PCS) will be designed and tailored to determine if additional shape memory performance benefits can be derived from the underlying macro-structure when fabricated from SMA's. These structures will be manufactured using an advanced reactive metal casting technology that will allow complex-shaped, integral bulk structures to be fabricated with the requisite composition-microstructure-properties needed for shape memory performance. Casting also offers a relatively low-cost approach for fabricating near net-shape components. The fabricated SMA structures will be characterized for resulting microstructure-properties in order to determine how to best design such PCS to better exploit SMA's for use in aerospace applications.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential non-NASA commercial applications include structures and components for armor, automotive and land vehicle (e.g., spoilers), shipboard structures, sporting goods, biomedical implants, and building structures. A practically limitless list of potential applications could essentially be put together if large-sized SMA material with the requisite shape memory properties can be manufactured affordably. Potential NASA commercial applications include aeroengine and airframe structural components, particularly those that could benefit from shape memory behavior, light weight, acoustic dampening, and impact resistance. For example, SMA's are being considered for flexible (morphing) wings and wing tips for aircraft.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transition45 Technologies, Inc. | Lead Organization |
Industry
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
|
Orange, California |
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Ohio
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Transition45 Technologies, Inc.
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2011
End: Mar 2014
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 6 |
| Estimated End: | 6 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX12 Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing
- TX12.1 Materials
- TX12.1.8 Smart Materials
Target Destinations
Earth, Foundational Knowledge
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