NiTi shape memory alloy pipe couplers for ultra-high vacuum systems: development and implementation

Abstract Novel Nickel–Titanium (NiTi)-based shape memory alloy (SMA) pipe couplers were designed and developed. They are suitable for room-temperature ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) systems provide a quick compact solution at reasonable cost. Their use is particularly interesting restricted-access areas of particle accelerators as their installation/dismounting can be performed remotely by temperature variations. A NiTi SMA with composition was selected. different diameters in the range 30–135 mm manufactured thermo-mechanically trained to exhibit proper two-way behaviour which comply strict operative constraints coupling applications room sectors. The connectors easily implementable they compatible commercially available flanges (DN16, DN25, DN100) used worldwide systems. effect joint geometry on thermo-mechanical response performance investigated numerical studies experimental analyses such strain-gauge, extensometer leak-tightness tests under operating conditions including static axial loads multiple thermal cycles. It demonstrated that NiTi-based thermally mounted upon heating guarantee leak tightness within window. dismounting also verified cooling down subzero temperatures (lower than ?40 °C). Possible these connections European Organization Nuclear Research (CERN) foreseen assemblies installed high radioactive areas, like those nearby collision points beam collimators. Thanks compactness, great interest connecting pipes small aperture studied electron–positron future circular collider (FCC-ee) next-generation synchrotron light facilities.