Evolution of transformation characteristics of shape memory alloys during cyclic loading: transformation temperature hysteresis and residual martensite

This paper investigates the evolutions of transformation temperatures and residual martensite of shape memory alloys during cyclic loading. Pseudoelastic NiTi specimens were firstly subjected to stress-controlled cyclic loading; then differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction characterizations were conducted on samples cut from specimens after different cycles as well as virgin one. Results show that (i) transformation temperatures rise while the transformation temperature hysteresis increases at initial cycles and then remarkably decreases when the SMA is highly distorted; (ii) due to the accumulation of residual martensite, the more fatigue cycles applied to the SMAs, the less latent heat absorbed/released during the transformation. Furthermore, residual martensite volume fraction was calculated with respect to plasticity and a linear character was observed.