Effect of Aging Treatment on the Compressibility and Recovery of NiTi Shape Memory Alloys as Static Seals

The improvement of the compressibility and recovery of the gaskets can decrease the leakage occurrence in bolted flange connections. In this study, the effect of aging treatment on the compressibility and recovery of NiTi shape memory alloys is investigated as static seals together with thermal analysis. The experimental results indicate that different phase transformations of NiTi alloys are exhibited in the DSC curves during aging treatment. The recovery coefficient of NiTi alloys aged at 500 °C for 2 h is quite low accompanied with a large residual strain. With increasing aging time at the aging temperature of 400 °C, the residual strain and area of hysteresis loop of NiTi alloys are both increased, whereas the recovery coefficient is decreased. Since the deformation associates the phase transformation behavior, aging treatment could improve the compressibility and recovery of NiTi alloys as static seals.     

The mechanism of multistage martensitic transformations in aged Ni-rich NiTi shape memory alloys

Usually aged Ni-rich NiTi alloys undergo martensitic transformations on cooling from high temperatures in two steps: B2 to R and then R to B19′ (normal behaviour). But under certain ageing conditions, the transformation can also occur in three or more steps (unusual multiple step behaviour). In the present study we use differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for a systematic investigation of the evolution of transformation behaviour with ageing temperature and time. We demonstrate that during ageing of Ni-rich NiTi alloys, DSC curves exhibit two transformation peaks on cooling after short ageing times, three after intermediate ageing times and finally again two peaks after long ageing times (2–3–2 transformation behaviour). In the present study we propose a new explanation for the 2–3–2 transformation behaviour which consists of two basic elements: (1) The composition inhomogeneity which evolves during ageing as Ni₄Ti₃ precipitates grow. (2) The difference between nucleation barriers for R-phase (small) and B19′ (large). These two elements explain all features of the evolution of DSC charts during ageing including the number of distinct DSC peaks and their positions.     

CuAlPd alloys for sensor and actuator applications

Currently available shape memory alloys (NiTi, CuAlNi, CuSnAl) lack the high transformation temperatures and long term thermal stability desired in many commercial applications. This paper reports the results of an investigation in which Pd was substituted for Ni to obtain the shape memory ally CuAlPd. The CuAlPd alloys were found to have an austenite transformation temperature range of 115–370°C depending on composition, heat treatment and working process. Optimal shape memory properties were found for a composition of Cu-13.1 wt% A1-2.4 wt% Pd. This alloy has a transformation temperature of 180°C and a recoverable strain of 4.8%. CuAlPd alloys have excellent workability and exhibit fatigue properties comparable to NiTi shape memory alloys. Single crystals of CuAlPd alloys were produced using a modified Bridgeman technique.     

Phase transformation behavior of pseudoelastic NiTi shape memory alloys under large strain

Although it is known that the plastic deformation after transformation could stabilize martensite and make the transformation irreversible, there lacks a systematic research on the effect of plasticity on phase transformation behavior of NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs). Therefore, the present study focuses on this aspect of NiTi SMAs. A series of tensile cycling experiments are performed on a NiTi SMA at room temperature. Attention has been paid to the characteristics of the phase transformation stresses, the residual and recoverable strain and the dissipated and recoverable energy density as functions of deformation cycles and maximum strain amplitude. With the increasing of plastic strain amplitude at the first loading cycle, the stress–strain curves reach a stable state sooner during cycling. It is concluded that a small amount of plastic strain at the first loading cycle is helpful to get good stable mechanical properties.     

Analytical modelling of functionally graded NiTi shape memory alloy plates under tensile loading and recovery of deformation upon heating

This paper presents an analytical model describing the deformation behaviour of functionally graded NiTi plates under tensile loading and their shape recovery during heating. The property gradient of the plate is achieved by either a compositional gradient or microstructural gradient through the thickness. Closed-form solutions are obtained for nominal stress–strain variations of such plates under uniaxial loading at different deformation stages. It is observed that the martensitic transformation occurs partially over the nominal stress gradient, unlike typical NiTi shape memory alloys. The curvature–temperature relations are established for complex shape memory effect behaviour of such plates during the recovery period. The analytical solutions are validated with relevant experimental results.     

Electrical resistivity of NiTi with high transformation temperature

For a better understanding of the transformation behaviour on NiTi, the electrical resistivity of Ni_49.5Ti_50.5 was precisely measured by a four-probe potentiometric method. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity is linear in the regions of the high- and low-temperature phases, and a drastic change in electrical resistivity is observed in the temperature range of the transformation. The transformation remains of the one-stage between the high- and low-temperature phase even with thermal cycling, although with increasing the number of thermal cycles the electrical resistivity versus temperature curve shifts to the low temperature side and the electrical resistivity increases in the single phase temperature region which is attributable to the generation of transformation-induced defects.

The one-stage transformation changes to a two-stage transformation due to the appearance of an intermediate phase after an incomplete thermal cycle, and with subsequent thermal cycling the peak in the electrical resistivity is enhanced to stabilise the intermediate phase. The as-cut Ni_49.5Ti_50.5, of which the surface is damaged, shows a two-stage transformation, even during the first cooling after cutting, and a resistivity-peak due to such a two-stage transformation is also enhanced with thermal cycling. It is thought that the amount of defects plays important roles in the shifts of transformation temperatures and in the transfer from one-stage to the two-stage transformation, and contributes to the stability of each phase.     

In situ evaluation of the transformation behaviour of NiTi-based high temperature shape memory alloys

Fine grained polycrystalline NiTi shape memory alloys containing 15 at.% Hf and Zr and zero or 3 at.% Cu fabricated by ingot metallurgy were investigated using in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction in order to examine the viability of producing stable and affordable high temperature shape memory alloys. The alloys produced had a high thermal hysteresis, in excess of 70 °C but A_f temperatures of over 250 °C were obtained for Ni₅₀Ti₃₅Hf₁₅. 3 at.% Cu additions did not significantly reduce the per-cycle degradation of transformation temperatures but did reduce the transformation temperatures. The evolution of the lattice parameters during the first five thermal cycles was observed. Negative thermal expansion was found in the b_B19′ cell direction in all the alloys examined and significant deviations in the lattice parameters in the region of transformation were found. A per-cycle evolution in the end-point B19′ lattice parameters was observed, but no such evolution was found for the B2 phase, which is rationalised by appealing to the increase in population of interface dislocations.     

Challenges in using waterjet machining of NiTi shape memory alloys: An analysis of controlled-depth milling

The nickel-titanium shape memory alloys (NiTi SMAs) have a very high potential for a wide variety of applications thanks to their unique mechanical properties: shape memory effect and pseudoelasticity. However, they have been proved to be more challenging to cut than other advanced engineering materials because of their high ductility, crystal-oriented and stress-oriented mechanical properties. In stark contrast to the extensive work on the metallurgical/microstructural properties of the SMA, there is limited research regarding non-conventional machining of this group of special alloys.Waterjet technology is well-known for cutting advanced difficult-to-cut materials owing to its benefits of reduced mechanical and thermal damages to workpiece surfaces. This paper reports for the first time the use of waterjet technology to mill the functional shape memory alloys and thus to open new avenues for the utilisation of these alloys for advanced engineering applications (e.g. aerospace, medical fields). However, when it comes to NiTi SMAs (characterised by low temperature phase martensite and parent phase austenite), the insignificant waterjet temperatures become critical to the material behaviour as their crystal structures are sensitive to the variations in both temperature and mechanical compression. This makes the processing (particularly waterjet controlled-depth milling) a real challenging task.By taking into consideration both of the waterjet temperatures at different material removal conditions (i.e. with and without abrasives in the focussing tube) and the transformation temperatures of NiTi, three different working zones (100% martensite; mix of austenite and martensite; 100% austenite) under waterjet process have been proposed. In addition, a combined phase and stress-strain diagram for shape memory effect in martensitic phase and pseudoelasticity in austenite phase of NiTi has been suggested. In this paper, Ni_49.8Ti_50.2 shape memory alloy was considered in which its transition temperature range is overlapped with the waterjet operating temperature; two approaches of waterjet processes (plain and abrasive waterjet milling) were proposed so as to investigate the mechanical and metallurgical effect provoked by the relationship between operating temperatures and transformation temperatures. It was found that abrasive waterjetting is more viable than plain waterjetting for controlled-depth milling of NiTi shape memory alloys.     

Analytical modeling of stress-induced martensitic transformation in the crack tip region of nickel–titanium alloys

A novel analytical method, which predicts the extent of the stress-induced martensitic transformation (SIM) in the crack tip vicinity of nickel–titanium (NiTi)-based shape memory alloys, as well as describing the stress distribution in both transformed and untransformed regions, is presented. The method has been validated by comparisons with results from finite-element simulations with good agreement. Furthermore, the method has been used to analyze the effects of various thermomechanical parameters on the extent of the transformation region near the crack tip. Finally, the effects of several thermomechanical loading conditions, in terms of both applied stress and temperature, on the crack tip transformation behavior have been analyzed. The results highlight a marked effect of temperature on the extent of the transformation region and, consequently, on the crack tip stress distribution. As a consequence, temperature plays a role in the fracture process of NiTi alloys.     

镁造孔多孔NiTi合金的微波烧结制备与表征

为了获得轻质、高强和高阻尼的多孔NiTi合金,采用微波烧结协同镁造孔技术制备多孔NiTi合金.考察多孔NiTi合金的显微组织、力学性能、相变行为、超弹性和阻尼性能.结果表明:当烧结温度低于或等于900℃时,多孔NiTi合金主要由B2 NiTi相和少量B19'NiTi相组成.随着烧结温度的升高,多孔NiTi合金的孔隙率逐...     

MARTENSITIC TRANSFORMATION AND THERMAL STABILITY IN Cu-Al-Co AND Cu-Al-Zr ALLOYS

Cu-Al-Co and Cu-Al-Zr alloys were explored with Co or Zr additions in Cu-Al alloys for high temperature shape memory alloys. Samples were quenched after homogenized at 850℃ for 48h. It was found that both Cu-Al-Co and Cu-Al-Zr show AlCus martensitic phase at room temperature and exhibit martensitic transformation temperatures higher than 200℃, showing the potentials for developing as high temperature shape memory alloys. Thermal cycles were performed by DSC instrument on both Cu-Al-Co and Cu-Al-Zr alloys. The results show that Cu-Al-Co loses its martensitic transformation after five thermal cycles, and Cu-Al-Zr exhibits no martensitic transformation in the second thermal cycle.     

Wide Range Temperature Memory Effect of an In Situ NiTi Alloys Composite

Incomplete martensitic transformation characteristics of NiTi shape memory alloys after cold deformation were studied. By designing the shape of the original surface curve, macroscopic domains with different dislocation density were introduced into the NiTi alloys and materials possessing the characteristics of composites were obtained. Due to the interactions between the dislocation texture and martensite variants, the reverse transformation temperatures were found to expand over a large temperature window, which gives temperature memory effect a higher potential for application.     

富镍镨掺杂镍钛形状记忆合金的微结构、相变特性与硬度

采用真空熔炼法向NiTi二元合金中掺杂Pr稀土元素,制备了多组分原子分数的Ni₅₀Ti_50-xPr_x（x=0,0.1,0.3,0.5,0.7,0.9）合金。研究了Pr元素的添加对NiTi合金金相组织、相变温度和硬度的影响。结果表明,Ni₅₀Ti_50-xPr_x合金由NiTi基体与NiPr夹杂相组成,其中Ni₅₀Ti_49.5Pr_0.5合金的马氏体相变温度达73 ℃,合金的热滞窄至37 ℃,维氏硬度约为2850 MPa。Pr元素的添加显著降低了NiTi合金的马氏体相变温度,同时,与其他NiTi基合金相比,NiTiPr合金保持了较窄的热滞和较高的硬度。     

Smart Control Systems for Smart Materials

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are thermally activated smart materials. Due to their ability to change into a previously imprinted shape by the means of thermal activation, they are suitable as actuators for microsystems and, within certain limitations for macroscopic systems. Most commonly used SMAs for actuators are binary nickel-titanium alloys (NiTi). The shape memory effect relies on the martensitic phase transformation. On heating the material from the low temperature phase (martensite) the material starts to transform into the high temperature phase (austenite) at the austenite start temperature (A _s). The reverse transformation starts at the martensite start temperature after passing a hysteresis cycle. To apply these materials to a wide range of industrial applications, a simple method for controlling the actuator effect is required. Today??s control concepts for shape memory actuators, in applications as well as in test stands, are time-based. This often leads to overheating after transformation into the high temperature phase which results in early fatigue. Besides, the dynamic behavior of such systems is influenced by unnecessary heating, resulting in a poor time performance. To minimize these effects, a controller system with resistance feedback is required to hold the energy input on specific keypoints. These two key points are directly before transformation (A _s) and shortly before retransformation (M _s). This allows triggering of fast and energy-efficient transformation cycles. Both experimental results and a mechatronical demonstrator system, exhibit the advantages of systems concerning efficiency, dynamics, and reliability.     

Phase transformation and microstructure of quaternary TiNiHfCu high temperature shape memory alloys

The effect of Cu addition on the phase transformation and microstructure of TiNiHf high temperature shape memory alloy has been studied. The experimental results show that the TiNiHfCu alloy undergoes a B2↔B19′ transformation with a concentration of 3 at.% Cu. And a two-step phase transformation occurs upon heating when the Cu content is 5 at.%. The constitutional phases of TiNiHfCu quaternary alloys are the matrix and (Ti,Hf,Cu)₂Ni particles. The substructure of martensite is mainly (001) compound twin in TiNiHfCu alloys. The martensite variants are (011) type I twin related. The phase transformation temperatures decrease rapidly during the initial several thermal cycles and then keep constant with further increasing of the thermal cycles. It should be noticed that the R-phase transition is separated from the martensitic transformation during the cooling process in the TiNiHfCu alloys. The underlying reasons have been discussed.     

Grain size effect on structural, electrical and mechanical properties of NiTi thin films deposited by magnetron co-sputtering

In the present study NiTi films have been deposited on Si (100) substrates by dc magnetron co-sputtering in the temperature range from room temperature to 923 K. The crystallization, surface morphology and structural features were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). In situ hot stage atomic force microscope was used to investigate the micro-structural changes during phase transformation in these films. Substrate temperature was found to have a great impact on the structural features and phase transformation behavior of NiTi films. The grain size and the crystallization extent increase with the increase in substrate temperature. Nanoindentation tests of these films were conducted at room temperature. Low hardness and depth recovery ratio was observed in case of the film deposited at substrate temperature of 923 K that could be due to the dominance of martensite phase at room temperature which results in more plastic deformation. The electrical properties of the films were studied using four probe resistivity method. Electrical resistance versus temperature plots show that grain size of NiTi films plays an important role in their electrical properties. NiTi based shape memory alloys exhibit a very interesting martensite to austenite phase transformation as crystal structure changes from monoclinic to cubic upon heating close to room temperature. The characteristics of this transformation are of immense technological importance due to a variety of MEMS applications.     

Research and Development in NiTi Shape Memory Alloys Fabricated by Selective Laser MeltingEI北大核心CSCD

由于NiTi形状记忆合金(SMAs)具有高反应敏感性和低热导率等物性,导致其初步成形件的后续加工十分困难,作为一种典型的金属增材制造技术,选区激光熔化(SLM)在近净成形复杂几何形状的金属构件方面具有显著优越性,能够有效解决NiTiSMAs冷加工难、加工成本高的问题。为实现SLMNiTiSMAs的工程应用,需厘清其工艺参数-微观结构-功能特性的内在联系,揭示其相转变行为与功能特性变化的机理,建立坚实的理论基础。基于此,本文重点对SLMNiTi SMAs的成形性、相转变行为、微观结构、力学性能和热机械性能的相关研究结果进行了分析与总结。同时,对近来SLM多孔NiTiSMAs的设计及其生物相容性的探索研究进行了阐述。最后,本文展望了SLMNiTiSMAs研究过程中需要重点突破的问题。     

On the multiplication of dislocations during martensitic transformations in NiTi shape memory alloys

In situ and post-mortem diffraction contrast transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to study the multiplication of dislocations during a thermal martensitic forward and reverse transformation in a NiTi shape memory alloy single crystal. An analysis of the elongated dislocation loops which formed during the transformation was performed. It is proposed that the stress field of an approaching martensite needle activates an in-grown dislocation segment and generates characteristic narrow and elongated dislocation loops which expand on {1 1 0}_B2 planes parallel to {0 0 1}_B19′ compound twin planes. The findings are compared with TEM results reported in the literature for NiTi and other shape memory alloys. It is suggested that the type of dislocation multiplication mechanism documented in the present study is generic and that it can account for the increase in dislocation densities during thermal and stress-induced martensitic transformations in other shape memory alloys.     

The influence of partial cycling on the martensitic transformation kinetics in shape memory alloys

The martensitic transformation kinetics during partial cycling and the so-called “hammer” effect has been carefully characterized in Cu–Al–Ni shape memory alloys. These temperature memory effects were measured by adiabatic calorimetry and analyzed within the frame of a new thermodynamic model. A straightforward study of the nucleation processes explains on quantitative grounds the shift of the reverse transformation to higher temperatures and the presence of a secondary C_p peak associated to these phenomena. The optical observations support the calorimetric results. Finally, the release of the elastic energy in the martensitic state due to the different thermal cycles has been determined.     

Die Verzunderung von Heißgasleitungswerkstoffen für ein luftgekühltes Sonnenturmkraftwerk bei wechselnder Temperaturbelastung zwischen 623 und 1073 K

Scaling of materials for hot gas tubing in an air-cooled solar tower power station under thermal cycling between 623 and 1073 K The corrosion behaviour of two heat resistant alloys X 12 CrNi 2521 (1.4845) and X 10 NiCrAlTi3220 (1.4876) is studied. These alloys are model alloys for hot air pipes of a gas cooled solar tower power station. The maximum operating temperature is 1073 K (solar operation), the minimum is 623 K (fossil operation) during cloudy periods and at night. The experimental simulation device for cyclic temperature exposure between 623 K and 1073 K is described and experimental results are discussed. After 7000 cycles with the tempeature gradient of < 7 K/s growth, composition and adherence of corrosion layers on the materials are determined. The post examinations of the exposed specimens show the better corrosion behaviour of X 12 CrNi2521 not only after isothermal exposure at 1073 K but also after thermal cyclic exposure between 623 and 1073 K.