Applications of Shape Memory Alloys in the Transportation Industry

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) - which have the ability to change from a “deformed” state to an original “remembered” state when triggered thermally - offer engineering properties available in no other material. Their potential has not been fully exploited. Existing applications for SMAs in the transportation industry include electric fog lamp louvers and a device to reduce rattling noise in manual transmissions. Future applications in the transportation industry include the use of high density, zero insertion force electric connectors, which are capable of withstanding extreme shock and vibration.