Advanced Functional Shape Memory Alloys and Their Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a fast-growing class of adaptive materials that can recover large-scale deformation or store/release energy by undergoing reversible phase transformations. Their unique thermomechanical and functional properties—including superelasticity, shape recovery, and caloric effects—enable SMAs to serve as highly efficient candidates for next-generation smart devices not only in actuation and sensing, but also in biomedical systems, soft robotics, and sustainable solid-state thermal management solutions.

Recent advances in alloy design, thin-film fabrication, additive manufacturing and laser micromachining have resulted in the practical implementation of shape memory alloys into micro-scale and multi-functional systems. Similarly, advances in computational modeling, as well as in microstructure simulation, are helping accelerate material development and improve their functional performance. Collectively, these advances are highlighting SMAs as a cornerstone in advanced engineering applications where compact, adaptive, and energy-efficient systems are needed.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers to present novel developments in design, micro/nanofabrication, characterization, modeling, and application of advanced shape memory alloys. We welcome the submission of experimental studies, theoretical investigations, computational works, device-oriented research, and comprehensive reviews.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Alloy design and processing of SMAs (NiTi, Cu-based, Fe-based, etc.).
• Thin films, coatings, and micro-architected and patterned SMA structures.
• Additive manufacturing, laser micro-processing, machining, and advanced fabrication techniques.
• Surface engineering and fatigue enhancement strategies.

• Thermomechanical characterization and caloric effects.
• Microstructure evolution and phase transformation mechanisms.
• Constitutive modeling, computational simulations, and FEM.
• SMA-based actuators, sensors, and multi-functional smart structures.

• MEMS/NEMS devices, employing shape memory alloys.
• Biomedical SMA applications: implants, stents, and micro-devices.
• Elastocaloric cooling, heat pumps, and thermal energy storage.
• SMA applications in aerospace, automotive, and miniature adaptive systems.

Dr. Girolamo Costanza
Dr. Maria Elisa Tata
Guest Editors

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