Smart Spring: NiTi (Smart Material)
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Product Code : SCL-CLE-12855
This spring is made from shape memory alloy (SMA).
SMA is a smart material which, as its name suggests, has a memory. The
most common SMA is an alloy (mixture of metals). By means of special heat
treatment, a piece of SMA can be made to 'remember' a shape. For example, a
length of wire can be made to remember that it should be straight at
temperatures above 70°C. If you bend this wire at normal room temperature into
the shape of a paper clip, it stays bent and will continue acting as a paper
clip. However, if you place it in a glass of water whose temperature is above
70°C, it immediately straightens out! When cool, it remains straight until it
is bent again.
At room temperature this spring is soft enough to
pull out to approximately 50mm by applying a small force.
When heated to 70°C by passing an electric current
through it (or by other means such as hot water or a heat gun, etc), the spring
contracts to its original length with a useful pulling force (equivalent to
lifting a 0.5kg weight).
- Spring weight: 1.1g
- Dimensions: 20mm (when closed), 5.5mm external
diameter. 4mm internal diameter.
Reasons to Love
- Cross applications in Science and Design
Technology classes
Learning Outcomes
- Key Stage 3 Chemistry - Materials: Properties
of ceramics, polymers and composites (qualitative)
- Key Stage 3 Chemistry - The Periodic
Table: The properties of metals and non-metals
- Key Stage 4 Chemistry - Structure, Bonding and
the Properties of Matter: Smart Materials and Their
Properties. Bulk properties of materials related to bonding and
intermolecular forces
- Key Stage 4 Chemistry
- Atomic structure and the Periodic Table: Characteristic
properties of metals and non-metals.
Top Tips
- The Smart Spring is activated by passing a
small electric current through it. It is also affected by
temperature.
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