Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Devices Navy STTR FY2005 Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2005 Topic No.: N05-T023 Topic Title: Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Devices Proposal No.: N054-023-0228 Firm: Image Acoustics, Inc. 97 Elm Street Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025 Contact: John Butler Phone: (781) 383-2002 Web Site: imageacoustics.com Abstract: There is a need for an improved ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, FSMA, performance. Although the current material is capable of producing large strains up to 6%, the force capabilities are low and typically less than 10MPa blocking stress which needs to be improved. The desire is to improve this limited blocking stress of the FSMA material by means of a hybrid structure which uses, in combinations with the FSMA, another transduction material with greater force capability. Possible adjunct materials for improving the force capability include PZT, PMN-33%PT, Terfenol-D and Galfenol. We plan to develop not only an improved FSMA based actuator but an improved acoustic transducer for the Navy's needs. Benefits: The development of this actuator/transducer hybrid device should have transducer application in oceanographic research and actuator application to Navy vessels as well as to the aerospace industry. Return