Patent — available for licensing
Shape Memory Alloy Art (SMArt)
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Innovators at NASA's Glenn Research Center have developed an educational device and method for creating letters, numbers, characters, symbols, or a combination, using shape memory alloy (SMA) wire. The device, which is a small, portable apparatus, goes through a prescribed heating sequence which will train the shape memory alloy wire to remember the shape set by the user (e.g. a star, heart, etc.). After the heating and cooling sequence of the device is complete, the user extracts the shape then can distort the trained shape memory alloy wire. Upon application of heat, the wire will transform back into the trained shape. The innovation contributes a method for advancing science education by providing a powerful hands-on teaching tool to demonstrate cutting-edge material and science capabilities. This simple and portable tool offers adaptive, interactive, customized, and individualized shape creation for students, hobbyists, artists, and others.