Researchers at Saarland University in Germany have developed a smart alloy material with special functions. Its main components are nickel and titanium, but it is different from the common nickel-titanium alloy material with shape memory function. The resultant filament shrinks obviously when passing the current, and the length is obviously shortened, and the original length can be restored after the current is cut off. The principle is to use the internal phase change phenomenon of the alloy material when it is energized, that is, the internal lattice structure of the alloy changes, which causes the appearance of the material to change.
The "wire harness" made of this alloy can complete very complex and perfect movements through precise manipulation. In order to demonstrate the excellent performance of this material, researchers have made a bat model. The "muscles" on its wings are made of filaments of this alloy material, which can realistically imitate the flying movements of bats. This bat model has been exhibited at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science.
Researchers are optimizing the control system, using microelectronic chips and simulation technology to imitate the real process of animal muscle movements, that is, brain signal pulses are transmitted through nerves to muscles to realize movements, and to realize "artificial muscles" perception of changes in external conditions And reaction. Researchers believe that this smart alloy material has broad application prospects in medicine.