Surface Aspects in Fatigue of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA)

Abstract

AbstractThe present paper briefly reviews the role of surfaces in fatigue of shape memory alloys (SMAs). When polished and defect free austenitic surfaces are cooled to lower temperatures, the martensitic transformation creates a pattern of surface upheavals; and an inverse pattern forms when polished and defect free martensite is heated. In full transformation cycles (heating followed by cooling or cooling followed by heating) high quality surfaces can only be re‐established if no fatigue occurs. After multiple cycling intrusions and extrusions can be detected which represent fatigue damage accumulation. Cracks can grow from extrusions and intrusions. We also show that fatigue cracking can start from surface defects which are for example introduced by wire drawing. We then briefly discuss surface treatments which are intended to improve fatigue resistance of shape memory alloys. These may consist in the modification of the SMA microstructure in the surface region (by deformation or diffusion treatments). They can also involve coating procedures where other elements are deposited on the SMA surface. However, SMA performance and the intensity of exploitable SM effects are usually reduced by surface treatments.