Researchers Discover New Materials That Could Enhance Fighter Jet Efficiency

New research studying shape memory alloys with AI may allow fighter jets to transform into the future with the help of new materials.

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

In aerospace applications, high-temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMAs) - materials capable of remembering and returning to their original shapes after heating - are often constrained by high costs since they rely on expensive elements to function at elevated temperatures.

Fighter jets like the F/A-18 need to fold their wings to fit on crowded aircraft carriers. The system that folds the wings relies on heavy mechanical parts. But with new lighter, smarter alloys, those movements could be done with less weight and more efficiency. That means more jets can be ready to fly, faster and with less energy wasted.