Image downloaded from NASA website

NASA has many ideas that are explored in outer space. There are many benefits that we receive from space technology exploration, such as new ergonomic solutions for people who do repetitive types of work to industrial medical X-Ray machines.

The new area of space exploration I am going to talk about is the metal used to make golf clubs. This same material has also been used to make the space shuttle Discover. The science that examines the different ways this metal can be used is called shape memory metal.

The gold club basically changes its "metallurgical" structure when it connects with the golf ball. This elastic property keeps the ball on the club's face longer. Because the ball stays on the face of the club longer, the ball has more spin, but not at the expense of distance. More "bite" on the fairway is every golfer's desire. I have no idea how it feels.

The value of applying the technology of shape memory metal into golf club means that the ball has super elasticity and high damping attributes. For the avid golfer, a ball that has more elasticity and high damping attributes can have more spin, greater control and a solid feel.

The science of "Shape Memory" has generated different commercial uses. For instance, a company has developed a unique control surface for helicopter blades. By controlling the tabs, the pilot can fine tune each blade for improved performance and reduced vibration.

In the medical equipment industry, a material called "Binary Nickel-Titanium Alloy" has been invented. This material can accommodate large strain deformations and spring back to their original shape when stress is removed. This material is suitable for catheter guide wire, suture anchors and dental arch wires.