Pneumatic valves based on Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys: Potential applications

The available deformation range, forces and frequency of the Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys (MSMA) render them suitable for applications in electro-mechanical transducers, used to control pneumatic valves. A fast-operating electro-mechanical transducers can be designed, whose driving elements should not execute any motion, as they do in valves available to date, and which should get deformed instead. Utilising the deformation of an element made from the MSMA, the active element of the valves may be shifted, thus changing the flow orifice. Valves made of MSMA can become a new group of electric valves, featuring improved dynamic behavior and better resistance to external vibrations. The first applications of valves made of MSMA are expected in direct-action proportional throttling valves.