Shape-Memory Alloys—Application in Shrink-Fit Joints

Abstract

Shape-memory alloys have various applications in different fields including medicine, robotics, aeronautics, and micro-electromechanical systems. This paper discusses shrink-fit joints formed by shape-memory alloy elements and their application for the axial fixation of mechanical components. The use of shape-memory alloys gives the shrink-fits some specific features: ease of assembly, insensitivity to tooling and human error, chemical resistance, low cost, etc. The friction force created between the components is experimentally investigated as a function of two parameters—the substrate diameter and the surface roughness (Ra) of one of the joined elements. The results of the experiments are presented analytically and graphically. Conclusions are drawn regarding the behavior of the studied shrink-fits. They can be beneficial to any engineering project making it less sensitive to manufacturing variations.

Keywords

• shape-memory alloy
• shrink-fit
• friction force
• interference
• surface roughness