The Magneto-Mechanical Testing Machine (MMTM) allows the traditional solids mechanics uniaxial (tension or compression) mechanical tests to be conducted in a magnetic field. This allows the new class of materials called Ferromagnetic-Shape-Memory (FSM) materials to be studied. These materials, such as NiMnGa and FePd, are ferromagnetic as well as undergoing a structural (martensitic) phase transformation which is the basis for the shape-memory effect. Thus these materials have shape-memory behavior that can be controlled via a magnetic field. This has great advantages over traditional shape-memory materials that require changes in temperature for actuation.
The MMTM is still under construction, but an initial demonstration of the magnetic field control has been completed.
The equipment used on this project is listed here.
Many additional pictures of the faculity have been taken.
Construction of this facility was sponsored by:
Research using this facility is sponsored by: