Nitinol Airplane Launcher
As you have discovered, Nitinol returns
to its original shape when it is heated.
In this activity, you will make an
airplane launcher that utilizes the shape
memory property of Nitinol. You will
use a hair dryer as your source of heat.
Experiment with your launcher to
determine how to get your plane to fly
as far as possible!
Materials for One Airplane Launcher:
• 1 10” x 10” piece of foamboard
• 1 large rubber band
• 1 piece of Nitinol
• 1 balsa wood airplane
• 1 hair dryer
Safety:
Be careful when handling Nitinol since the
ends may be sharp. When dealing with the
hair dryer, take the usual precautions.
Step 1: The foamboard should have cuts at
both ends of launcher. Flip up the smaller
section.
Step 2: On the opposite side of the launcher,
put a rubber band into the slots and hold with
one finger.
Step 3: Wrap the Nitinol around the rubber
band and flap and twist several times.
Step 4: Put the airplane next to the point
where the rubber band and Nitinol meet
(inside the rubber band). Heat the Nitinol
with the hair dryer to launch.
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