Full-Field Measurement of Strain and Transformation in Nitinol

Phase shifted moiré  interferometry is used to measure full-field strain during uniaxial tension and four point bend loading of nitinol test samples.  Differences between global and full field measurements reveal the effects of localized transformation behavior.  Results for two heat treatments of commercially available superelastic Nitinol are presented for tests conducted under controlled temperature conditions.  [...]

FEA of In-Vitro Test Methods for Radial Force Characterization

An overview of the typical in-vitro test methods used to characterize the performance of Nitinol stents is presented.  Characterization requires a consistent definition and understanding of radial force as well as a consideration of the sensitivity of the various methods to friction, fixture compliance, material uncertainty and other experimental factors.  These sensitivities are demonstrated using [...]

FEA and Nitinol: Beyond the Fundamentals

At the 2006 SMST Conference in Asilomar Dr. Paul and I had he privilege of sharing our experience of working with Nitinol and particularly FEA of Nitinol during a full day tutorial. It was an honor to have an hour to discuss the ins and outs of modeling Nitinol using FEA.  You can download our [...]