Definition of Shape memory

Shape memory materials (SMMs) are featured by the ability to recover their original shape from a significant and seemingly plastic deformation when a particular external stimulus is applied. This is known as the shape memory effect (SME). Superelasticity (in alloys) or visco-elasticity (in polymers) are also commonly observed under certain conditions. The SME can be utilised in many fields, from aerospace engineering (e.g., in deployable structures and morphing wings) to medical devices.

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