MECHANICAL COMPONENTS FROM HIGHLY RECOVERABLE, LOW APPARENT MODULUS MATERIALS

摘要

A shape memory alloy for use as a mechanical component is formed of an intermetallic materia] having a low apparent modulus and a high hardness. The intermetallic material is conditioned to have a stable, supereiastic response without irrecoverable deformation while exhibiting strains of at least 3%. The method of conditioning the intermetallic material is described. Another embodiment relates to lightweight materials known as ordered intermetailics that perform well in sliding wear applications using conventional liquid lubricants and are therefore suitable for high performance mechanical components such as gears and bearings.