Training and stability of the intrinsic two-way shape memory effect in Ni-Ti alloys

Abstract

In recent years the two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) in Shape Memory Alloys has become a subject of considerable interest due to its ability to generate spontaneous reversible changes of shape during thermal cycling. Trained elements are frequently used as actuators, where they are subjected to several motion cycles. From the application point of view, the functional stability during repeated employment is therefore of considerable importance. So far, the results published on this aspect are rather limited, especially concerning NiTi based alloys. It was therefore the aim of this work to study the influence of training parameters on the degradation characteristics of the intrinsic TWSME for a specific thermomechanical training procedure.