R. W. Smith, Materials Resources International, Lansdale, PA; J. Mabe, R. T. Ruggeri, The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA; R. D. Noebe, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH; M. Taya, University of Washington, Center for Intelligent Materials and Systems, Seatlle, WA; M. Yu, NAVAIR-Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD; E. Rosenzweig, Naval Air System Command, PAX River, MD
The presentation will report on the viability of the Vacuum Plasma Sprayed (VPS) process as a near net shape forming process for producing NiTi (NiTinol) and higer transition temperature NiTiPd actuators. The shape memory properties of VPS deposited NiTi (Nitinol-55 type) powders will be reported and their shape memory behavior will be presented. Metallurgical structures and x-ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis will make structure comparisons to conventionally cast and wrought Nitinol 55. Shape memory transition temperatures as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and loaded cantilever beam testing will also be reported. Actuator performance actuator tube testing of VPS NiTi materials will be shown as comparable to cast and wrought Nitinol 55 actuator tubes.
Summary: This paper will present the results of an investigation into using vacuum plasma spray forming as a means to net shape form NiTi and NiTiPd alloy actuators used in aerosurface control.
