Probing the Reverse Martensitic Transformation in Constrained Shape Memory Alloys via Electrical Resistance

Abstract

Variation of electrical resistance and resistivity is used in order to monitor the reverse martensitic transformation in shape memory alloy (SMA) wires and polymer matrix-SMA composites, under constrained conditions. Results indicate that the characteristic temperatures shift towards higher values with increasing pre-strain level. Structural changes and phase transformations can be followed via electrical resistivity. SMA composites exhibit a behavior analogous to SMA wires, although the temperature range of the reverse transformation appears to be more extensive and a higher data scattering is present, especially, in the low temperature region.