Get the latest information on the thermal and mechanical properties of shape memory alloys (SMA's) and metallic medical materials and devices.

Eleven peer-reviewed papers:

• Define the environments in body-specific locations such as the superficial femoral artery, carotid, abdominal and thoracic arteries

• Develop constitutive expressions for the deformation response of nitinol via specific test methodologies and data analyses

• Develop the appropriate mechanics analyses for cumulative damage calculations and to ultimately

• Ascertain the fatigue lifetime of medical devices in the human body.

The principle focus of this new publication is on nitinol since these unique alloys offer the designer new dimensions in controlling the shape of devices used in medical and many structural applications. Shape memory devices such as valves, actuators, clutches, and gaskets are proposed for monitoring units, drive systems, and repair schemes.

STP 1481 also covers other metallic medical materials and devices.