Martensitic Transformations and SMA GROUP
at IP ASCR v.v.i.

RESEARCH MOTIVATION: In contrast to common structural materials used to built existing engineering structures, the functional materials as shape memory alloys /SMA/ deriving their unique thermomechanical behaviors from martensitic transformations in solids have been developed for and are utilized particularly for the those functional properties. Although SMAs have been long recognized as key elements of smart engineering structures for medical, aerospace, robotics, microactuator and other engineering applications, there is still much to do in physics, material research, mechanics and engineering research before smart structures with embedded SMAs will have significant impact on our daily life.

MT&SMA GROUP: The Martensitic transformation and shape memory alloys group within the Department of Metals Condensed Matter Division of IP ASCR v.v.i. has been involved in basic as well as applied research of functional materials, particularly SMAs since 1990. Till 2007, the group had integrated with a similarly oriented research group at neighboring institute IT ASCR and its staff has grown to over 26 members. The group closely collaborates (see Collaborating partners) with mathematicians, engineers and SMEs interested in basic research as well as engineering applications of SMAs in the Czech Republic.

BASIC RESEARCH: Main basic research activity of the group is currently focused on theoretical and experimental the investigation of the elastic properties of SMA martensites and twinning in martensitic structures using single crystals of CuAlNi, NiMnGa, NiTi. CoNiAl alloys. This work is mainly supprorted by Czech national research projects and Marie Curie Research Training Network MULTIMAT.

APPLIED RESEARCH: The applied research work in the laboratory deals mainly with development of novel approaches towards experimental investigation and modelling of functional behaviors of ultrathin NiTi SMA wires intended for production of innovative textile materials and applications in textile sector. The work is supported by FP6 projects project AVALON, LOOSE&TIGHT and CERINKA. The research performed within the FP6 Collective Research Project PROSTONE aims at promoting multifunctional SMA materials among SMEs involved producing equipment for application in stone industry. A research work on possible exploitation of smart FRP composite structures with embedded NiTi wires for application in giant wind turbines is carried out with the FP6 IP project UPWIND.

EUROPEAN RESEARCH INTEGRATION: Since the applied SMA research intrinsically involves development of dedicated mechanics models of functional behaviors of SMAs, the group participates in ESF S3T EUROCORES program MAFESMA aiming at bridging the growing gap between quickly extending material knowledge of SMAs and the need for design, development and control of SMA actuated smart structures.

EDUCATION: In order to open space for further theoretical and experimental studies of fundamental principles behind the deformation processes derived from the martensitic phase transformations in SMAs particularly among its young researchers and PhD students, the group has joined a European Research Training Network MULTIMAT. This FP6 Marie Curie network supports training of Young European researchers in the field of mathematical modelling of phase transforming smart materials. Several group members are involved in teaching at Czech Technical University and science promotional activities in Czech Republic.

ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES: Besides organization of regular meetings and workshops in frame of the ongoing FP6 projects (see Past meetings, Future meetings), the group organizes a leading event in the field in 2009 - The 8th European Symposium on Martensitic Transformations ESOMAT 2009 will be held on September 7-11, 2009 in Prague, Czech Republic.