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A rotating arm using shape-memory alloyNASA's Mars Pathfinder mission, to be launched in 1996, reflects a new philosophy of exploiting new technologies to reduce mission cost and accelerate the pace of space exploration. One of the experiments on board Pathfinder will demonstrate the first use in space of a multi-cycle, electrically-activated, shape-memory alloy (SMA) actuator. SMA's are metal alloys which, when heated, undergo a crystalline phase change. This change in phase alters the alloy lattice-constant, resulting in a change of dimension. Upon cooling, the alloy returns to its original lattice formation. Wire drawn from an SMA contracts in length when heated. The reversible change in length is 3 percent to 5 percent. The wire used in this actuator is a nickel-titanium alloy known as nitinol.
Document ID
19950020856
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Jenkins, Phillip P.
(NYMA, Inc. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Landis, Geoffrey A.
(NYMA, Inc. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Johnson Space Center, The 29th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Accession Number
95N27276
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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