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.

该项目将集中于（主要）基于激光的制造工艺的开发，以根据形状记忆效应制造微型演员，这可以提供受控制的高能量动作，例如通过远程加热。 Nickel-Titanium SMA由于其出色的生物相容性而在医疗设备中发现了许多应用，加上它可以显着改变形状的能力（即预先编程（即记忆，状态），它可以穿过过渡温度（可以通过将合金组成和热力学处理方法变化来调节，并接近体温。在该项目中的特殊应用是作为流体输送的开关，可以远程驱动，以长期使用永久插入的导管对脑肿瘤进行长时间治疗。该概念是形状内存合金阀，可以通过远程加热进行切换，例如通过使用红外光（如果靠近皮肤）或无线电能量转移。基于激光的制造工艺（包括微焊接和微切割）将用于用最少的热量输入来制造设备，以防止对其余材料特性的不必要变化。我们在广泛的设施支持的这些过程中拥有良好的专业知识。此外，我们最近对激光诱导的前向转移（LIFT）过程进行了修改，以制造更复杂的复合SMA零件，该零件可包含在整体设计和制造过程中。