NASA has reinvented the wheel using a material that 'remembers' its shape

pulse

December 5, 2017 2:51 PM

NASA's redesigned rover tires are made from a nickel-titanium alloy — a material that can be deformed and return back to shape.

transcript of the video.

NASA has reinvented the tire. These rover tires are made from a nickel-titanium alloy. A material that can be deformed and return back to shape.

The super-elastic material allows it to “remember” its original shape. Rover tire technology has come a long way.

In the 1960s mesh tires were woven from piano wire. The technology worked well, but could only hold so much weight. In 2013, significant wheel damage was found on the Curiosity Mars Rover. The Curiosity Rover had solid aluminum wheels. The new nickel-titanium tires could allow rovers to explore new grounds and carry heavier loads.

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