Shape memory effect and linear actuators based on Cu-Al-Ni single crystals

Recovery stress generation under thermal cycling has been experimentally studied in clamped shape memory Cu-Al-Ni single crystals up to 9% reversible strain. It is shown that such crystals are capable of repeated force generation upon heating up to 600 K and single actuation when heated to 700 K with a maximal stress of 350 MPa. The main principles of designing cyclic linear actuators are considered and a technique for calculating their force characteristics is proposed. The calculation is based on the mathematical model of linear actuator.