| Abstract: |
Smart materials are advanced materials that have the ability to sense environmental changes and respond in a predictable and controlled manner. Among these materials, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are widely used due to their unique ability to recover their original shape when subjected to thermal stimuli. This property, known as the shape memory effect, occurs due to reversible phase transformation between martensite and austenite phases. The most commonly used SMA is Nitinol, a Nickel–Titanium alloy, which exhibits excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. This study focuses on the working principle, properties, types, and applications of smart materials and shape memory alloys. It also includes a detailed literature review, research gaps, and analysis of SMA performance in engineering applications such as biomedical devices, aerospace structures, robotics, and civil engineering. The results show that SMAs offer advantages such as compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, and efficient actuation capability. However, limitations such as high cost, slow cooling rate, and fatigue behavior must be addressed. The study concludes that shape memory alloys play a vital role in modern engineering systems and have significant potential for future applications in smart structures and adaptive systems. |
