How does the shape memory effect in Nitinol sheets work?
The shape memory effect of nickel-titanium alloy (nickel-titanium plate) is based on the change of crystal structure inside it.
Nitinol has two crystal structures, namely the martensitic phase at low temperatures and the austenitic phase at high temperatures. At lower temperatures, the alloy is in the martensitic phase, where it is softer and can be bent or machined into various shapes with relative ease.
When the temperature rises above a certain transition temperature (austenite end temperature), the alloy will undergo a transition from martensitic phase to austenitic phase. In this process, the alloy "remembers" its original shape and tries to return to that shape.