Abstract: Thin film shape memory alloy (SMA) micro pump that has high work density and high frequency response. A miniature SMA pump is used to rectify liquid to achieve stroke. Controlled fluid flow provides forced convection cooling on the SMA membrane that allows the micro pump to operate at high operational frequencies and high work density.

Abstract: A system for releasable engagement of two bodies where one of the bodies deforms the other body during the engagement process. The system includes a first body having an engagement surface that is made from a pseudo-elastic mater pseudo-elastic material is maintained at an operating temperature that is above the martensite-austenite transition temperature for the material. The second body has an indenter surface that contacts the pseudo-elastic material and exerts sufficient stress to convert the material from the relatively hard austenite state to the relatively soft martensite state wherein the material conforms to the indenter shape. Upon release of the indenter contact stress, the pseudo-elastic material changes back to its original shape.

Abstract: A novel energy harvesting system and method utilizing a thermoelectric having a material exhibiting a large thermally induced strain (TIS) due to a phase transformation and a material exhibiting a stress induced electric field is introduced. A material that exhibits such a phase transformation exhibits a large increase in the coefficient of thermal expansion over an incremental temperature range (typically several degrees Kelvin). When such a material is arranged in a geometric configuration, such as, for a example, a laminate with a material that exhibits a stress induced electric field (e.g. a piezoelectric material) the thermally induced strain is converted to an electric field.