Repeatable temperature memory effect of TiNi shape memory alloys

Abstract

An incomplete transformation cycle induces a kinetic stop in the following complete transformation cycle in TiNi shape memory alloys. The kinetic stop can be regarded as a memory of the previous interruption temperature. This memory was generally believed to be a one-time phenomenon. Herein, we show that the temperature memory effect is actually a long-lasting phenomenon. Experimental results show that a repeatable temperature memory effect can be introduced into a TiNi alloy by a deformation lager than 12%. Deformation induced dislocations are considered a main factor to the persistence of the memory. The memory becomes more distinct with increasing numbers of the incomplete thermal cycle, but the memory becomes less distinct with increasing numbers of subsequent complete transformation cycling.