Abstract Scope |
You may have seen something like magnetic shape memory (MSM) alloys at the movies. In Terminator 2, a “liquid metal” robot faces off against a more traditionally engineered robot. Although not humanoid, MSM alloy uses the same basic principle: it shape-shifts. Apply a magnetic field, and the material responds with a shape change. Apply a different magnetic field and the material re-forms into a new shape. Do this quickly and with purpose and you have a device. Invert the concept and you have a power generator or sensor. MSM alloys present a paradigm for actuation and sensing devices. Products can be smaller, lighter and quieter since they have no moving parts to wear out. This presentation introduces (i) the scientific principles including magnetic anisotropy, deformation mechanisms, and magneto-mechanics, (ii) design principles for MSM devices, (iii) MSM technology at the example of a micropump, and (iv) a path to the market. |