Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Wires Subjected to Torsional Loading for Dental

and Orthopedic Applications

Hassan Moussa 2, Ashwin Rao1, Shoaib Shohan 2, Annie Ruimi2, A.R. Srinivasa1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station TX
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Doha, Qatar

Introduction

Objectives

Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) are materials characterized by the ability to remember their original shape when subjected
to high levels of stress occurring as the result of mechanical or thermo-mechanical loadings. These materials also exhibit
the ability to withstand large strains, a phenomenon known as pseudoelasticity. SMAs are routinely used for biomedical
applications such as hip replacement, clogged arteries and dental wires. For examples, SMAs are used in dental braces
to respond to the constantly changing forces on the teeth due to their motion.

Test the torsional response of super-elastic NickelTitanium (Nitinol)

wires subjected to various loading and unloading conditions
Investigate hysteresis features of inner and outer loops, return point
memory (RPM) and sink point memory (SPM)
Compare experimental data with predicted response obtained from the
Preisach model

Figure 2. Dental Wires for Braces

Figure 1. Hip Replacement

Figure 3. Artery Reinforcements

Experimental set-up
60 mm gauge length superelastic SMA NiTi wires, 0.58

mm in diameter (labeled by arrow)

MT Grips

*The pictures to the left and right show super-elastic SMA

Nitinol wire mounted between grips of Instron microtorsion
machine

MT Grip

NiTi Wire

Preisach Model Predictions

Figure 4. Discrete Preisach Model

Development

Figure 5. Use of outer loop response in

calibration for predictions

Figure 7. Prediction of 1800 twist

during the complex loop loading cycle

Figure 6. Preisach Triangle Simulation

Figure 8. Prediction of 1500 twist

using 1800 data

Results

Figure 9. Twist v/s time response for simple

loading and unloading conditions

Figure 10. Torque vs. twist response for

simple loading and unloading conditions

Figure 11. Twist vs. time response for three

internal loops during loading cycle

Figure 12. Torque vs. twist response for

three internal loops during loading cycle

Figure 13. Torque vs. response (left) and corresponding driving force vs. volume fraction of
martensite (right) with complex internal loops (hysteresis) cycle up to 1800 twist

CONCLUSIONS
Good test repeatability
Near perfect superelastic response for stress induced martensite (SIM)
Thermodynamic Preisach model predicts complete inner response with only outer loop data
Predictions can be tailored to the level of information available depending on the choice of input data for model calibration
Response points to a smaller hysteretic loop upon unloading indicating an enhanced material performance with longer functional life
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
National Science Foundation CMMI Grant 1000790 & Dr. Doraiswami and Vidyashankar Buravalla (GE Global Research)