Jackson de Brito Simões

Manufacture and Electro-Thermomechanical Characterization of a SMA Copper-Based Cylindrical Connector

The relevant and unique thermomechanical properties of shape memory alloys (SMA) have motivated researches for applications in several fields of engineering. The pseudoelasticity and shape memory effect (SME) are some behaviors displayed by these functional materials. The aim of the current work is the manufacture, physical characterization and investigation of electro-thermomechanical response of a SMA copper-based cylindrical element aiming the development of a smart electrical connector. The cylindrical element was manufactured by plasma melting and injection molding of a CuAlNi based SMA. During thermal activation, the SMA cylindrical element presented satisfactory movement of closure through the recovery of its shape, demonstrating a strong potential to generate normal contact forces useful for electrical connections.