Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/V049658/1
Title:	Establishing adaptive ultrasonics through shape memory materials
Principal Investigator:	Feeney, Dr A
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Biosonix Kulicke & Soffa Industries OnScale Ltd Sonic Systems Limited
Department:	School of Engineering
Organisation:	University of Glasgow
Scheme:	New Investigator Award
Starts:	01 July 2021	Ends:	30 June 2024	Value (£):	474,044
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Instrumentation Eng. & Dev. Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Aerospace, Defence and Marine Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 06 Apr 2021 Engineering Prioritisation Panel Meeting 6 and 7 April 2021 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Ultrasonics is common in all areas of society, from surgery to car parking sensor systems. Presently, an ultrasonic device is only designed to work efficiently in one way, limited by the materials we can use. However, imagine being able to undertake faster and safer ultrasonic surgery, resulting in lower tissue damage and faster patient recovery, by using a device whose properties we can control. Also imagine a device which can heal through a controlled stimulus. There are materials we can use to transform ultrasonic devices, to create those with higher performance capabilities, including adaptability and self-healing. These features can be realised by using a different type of material, a type we can train to behave in the way we want. These smart materials can be trained to react to changes in temperature, magnetic or electric field, force, pH, and in some cases even light. This project studies the science of how we can engineer a specific type of smart material which can be trained to transform its material properties and shape, to create a transformation in ultrasonics. We can refer to this material as a shape memory material, of which Nitinol is the most popular in use today. Ultrasonics is already ubiquitous, and it is essential we make this next step to improve lives by uncovering and controlling the exciting properties of shape memory materials. This research is a gateway to future intelligent materials - those which can make decisions.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.gla.ac.uk