Interlocking metasurfaces get a grip with shape memory alloys

ILMs are said to offer the potential to transform mechanical joint design in manufacturing for aerospace, robotics and biomedical devices.   

“ILMs are poised to redefine joining technologies across a range of applications, much like Velcro did decades ago,” said Dr Ibrahim Karaman, professor and head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering Department at Texas A&M. “In collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories, the original developers of ILMs, we have engineered and fabricated ILMs from shape memory alloys. Our research demonstrates that these ILMs can be selectively disengaged and re-engaged on demand while maintaining consistent joint strength and structural integrity.” 

The team’s findings are detailed in Materials & Design.   

ILMs enable the joining of two bodies by transmitting force and constraining movement, but until now this joining method has been passive, requiring force for engagement.

Using 3D printing, the teams designed and fabricated active ILMs by integrating SMAs, specifically nickel-titanium, which can recover their original shape after deformation by changing temperatures.