Abstract
KEYWORDS
passenger safety system, shape memory alloys, actuator, long time stability, NiTi
ABSTRACT
In the first part of this paper a short introduction to shape memory alloys (SMA) and an overview of different safety systems in modern cars are given. In a second part the material development of an adaptive safety system with shape memory alloys will be described to be functional in automobiles. Through the spontaneous conversion of the SMA when exceeding a critical temperature, a very fast and functional secure linear movement could be performed. The problem of the long time stability of the SMA is actually examined and first results will be presented concerning temperature-time-tests. Through the knowledge gained in this sequential processes it should be possible, to implement alloys that present the long time stability. In a further project step, quick heating systems will be developed and proved to enable a quick as possible and safe heating of the SMA elements, with the present current network system on board.