High strain rate deformation of martensitic NiTi shape memory alloy

Abstract

Shape memory alloys possess three fundamental properties due to their unique deformation mechanisms: shape memory effect, superelasticity and high damping capacity. The first two properties have already shown significant prospects for application, while the third one has not attracted significant attention. Recently, however, these materials appear promising for civil engineering applications due to the high damping capacity, coupling with good strength, ductility and very good corrosion resistance. Previous research on the deformation behavior of SMAs has been focused on low strain rates. Recently, some preliminary results have been reported on stress-induced martensite formation with austenitic SMAs subjected to impact. However, the high strain rate deformation behavior of SMAs in their martensitic state has not been reported. In the present work, the mechanical behavior of a martensitic NiTi SMA under very high state rate (3 {times} 10{sup 3} s{sup {minus}1}) compression is obtained and is primarily compared to its low rate (3 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} s{sup {minus}1}) deformation behavior.