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Abstract

Shape memory alloys are fascinating materials which show mechanical and thermal memory. After strong deformations they can recover their shape. This allows them to act as actuators and various other devices in engineering and medical applications. The shape memory effect is governed by elementary processes on all length scales. The contribution shows how theory and experiments must go hand in hand in order to progress the level of understanding in the field. The importance of processing of SMAs is highlighted. Topics ranging from multiple step transformations, through ínfluence of alloy chemistry on phase transistion temperature to structural and functional fatigue are briefly highlighted. Research highlights are presented and areas in need of further work are identified.