Memory Metals Finding Their Way Into Golf Clubs, Helicopters, Operating Rooms, Bath Tubs and Factories

Memory metal alloys developed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for the international Space Station are finding a host of applications down on earth - from golf courses to bathrooms to factories.

The alloys - which return to their original shape if deformed - are being commercialized by Memry Corp., of Brookfield, Conn. The firm's investigation of shape memory effect (SME) stems from work done under contract for the Marshall Center for the international Space Station. SME is a property of certain metal alloys that can change from shape to shape depending on temperature fluctuations. Starting in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Memry has applied its NASA-spurred expertise to create a line of home and industrial safety products.

Using proprietary shape memory alloys, a new line of golf wedges and putters has been developed. Shape memory alloys were exclusively supplied by Memry Corp. to Nicklaus Golf Equipment of West Palm Beach, Fla. Sports Futures, Inc., a sports industry technology and product development firm, granted Nicklaus Gold Equipment exclusive license to use Memry's patented technology for the IQ Insertª in the new line of Jack Nicklaus golf clubs.

There is a two-fold value in applying shape memory metal into golf club inserts. The inserts are super elastic and have high dampening attributes. For the golfer, that translates to more spin on the ball, greater control and a more solid feel.

Upon impact with the golf ball, the club insert undergoes a split-second change in its metallurgical structure. This elastic property keeps the ball on the club face longer, supplying more spin to the ball but not at the sacrifice of distance. This spin gives the ball a more desirable "bite" when it hits the green. The science of shape memory has permitted Memry Corp., to generate an assortment of commercial sales.

McDonnell Douglas of St. Louis, Mo., and Memry signed a contract in February 1996 to develop a unique control surface for helicopter blades. Memry is designing small microprocessor-controlled tabs for the trailing edges of the helicopter blades. By controlling the tabs, a pilot can fine tune each blade for improved performance and reduced vibration. The actuation that provides the tab motion is a shape memory alloy torsion device.

Memry's MemryTec Super-Elastic Materialsª have applications within the medical industry. As a binary nickle-titanium alloy, MemryTec can accommodate large strain deformations, then spring back into its original shape when the stress is removed. This is desirable for catheter guide wires, suture anchors and dental arch wires.

Other Memry products available to the consumer include MemrySafeª, an anti-scald product; UltraValveª, a temperature selection and control system for baths and showers; and FireChekª, a reusable fire safety valve for industrial applications. MemrySafeª is built around the ability to instantly restrict water flow in showers or sinks if the water temperature exceeds a safe limit. Comprised of a memory metal alloy, the patented value reacts to temperature, and restricts flow to a trickle if a scald hazard occurs. When the water temperature returns to a safe level, the unit permits resumption of normal flow. UltraValveª is a touch-of-a-button bathing feature. By pressing a single button, water can be turned on or off with water temperature selected according to personal preference. Exact water temperature is displayed at every moment on a user-friendly control panel. This "smart bathing" system also protects the user from water at scalding temperatures. FireChekª provides for emergency shut down of process control lines that handle flammable and toxic fluids and gases. This product can be applied to any pneumatically-operated process valve. If excessive heat is sensed by the shape memory element, the system immediately vents the pneumatic actuator pressure, closing the supply line. FireCheckª is suitable for process industries such as petrochemicals, chemicals, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and large oil- and gas-fired boilers.