(V) Research and Activities on Shape Memory Alloys in Japan

The present talk will introduce the trend in shape memory alloys research and related activities in Japan. In the first part of talk, activity of Association of Shape Memory Alloy (ASMA) is introduced. ASMA was established in October, 1993. Since then, ASMA has been actively engaged in various activities for the dissemination of shape memory alloys and related technologies. Members of ASMA include materials producers and enterprises related to various fields of applications, e.g., medical devices, automobile parts, as well as researchers and students from academia. Main activities of ASMA include annual seminar, introductory workshop with hands-on training and academic symposium. These activities offer the interdisciplinary forum where the members can exchange information and ideas to explore the possibility for new applications of SMAs. In addition, publication of the introductory and technical books, and revision of JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) are also important activity of ASMA.

Second part of the talk will focus on alloy development and new applications of SMAs in Japan, which includes TiNi, Mg-base alloys, Fe-base alloys, Cu-Al-Mn alloys, and high-entropy alloys.