Functionally graded shape memory alloy (SMA) micro-actuators for neurosurgical applications

用于神经外科应用的功能梯度形状记忆合金 (SMA) 微执行器

• 批准号: 2894767
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Heriot-Watt University
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Studentship
• 财政年份: 2023
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2023 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=studentship-2894767
• 关键词: Functionally; graded; shape; memory; alloy

This project will focus on the development of (predominantly) laser-based manufacturing processes to fabricate micro-actuators based on the Shape Memory effect, which can provide a high energy density movements controlled e.g. by remote heating. Nickel-titanium SMA has found many applications in medical devices due to its excellent biocompatibility coupled with its ability to change shape significantly (to a pre-programmed, i.e. memorised, state) as it crosses a transition temperature (that can be tuned by varying the alloy composition and thermomechanical treatment) close to body temperature. The particular application of interest in this project is as a switch for fluid delivery that can be remotely actuated, for prolonged treatment of brain tumours with permanently inserted catheters. The concept is a shape memory alloy valve that can be switched via remote heating e.g. by using infrared light (if close to the skin) or radio energy transfer. Laser-based manufacturing processes, including micro-welding and micro-cutting will be used to fabricate the devices with minimal heat input, to prevent unwanted changes to the remaining material properties. We have well-established expertise in these processes supported by extensive facilities. In addition, we have recently developed a modification of the laser induced forward transfer (LIFT) process for manufacturing more complex composite SMA parts which can be included into the overall design and manufacturing process.

该项目将重点开发（主要是）基于激光的制造工艺，以制造基于形状记忆效应的微执行器，该执行器可以提供高能量密度的控制运动，例如控制运动。通过远程加热。镍钛 SMA 在医疗设备中得到了许多应用，因为它具有出色的生物相容性，并且能够在跨越转变温度（可以通过改变合金成分和形变热处理）接近体温。该项目特别感兴趣的应用是作为可远程驱动的液体输送开关，用于通过永久插入的导管长期治疗脑肿瘤。这个概念是一种形状记忆合金阀门，可以通过远程加热进行切换。通过使用红外光（如果靠近皮肤）或无线电能量传输。基于激光的制造工艺，包括微焊接和微切割，将用于以最小的热输入制造设备，以防止剩余材料特性发生不必要的变化。我们在这些流程方面拥有完善的专业知识，并有广泛的设施支持。此外，我们最近开发了一种改进的激光诱导正向转移 (LIFT) 工艺，用于制造更复杂的复合 SMA 零件，可以将其纳入整体设计和制造工艺中。