Basics

Also known as Nitinol
An Alloy of Nickel and Titanium with very unique properties
Mainly that it has a "Shape Memory"
Once heated to a certain temperature at a shape and cooled it is "locked in" to that shape
A great example of this is a Nitronol Paperclip, that even if completely bent apart, will return to the perfect shape on it's own
Practical Implications (Most often if used in Compliant Mechanisms , sometimes with controllable heating elements)
- Self Opening/Regulating Greenhouse Vents
- Ultra Low SWaP Actuators
- "Compliant Wheels" For things like rovers, or off road vehicles

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