Martensitic Transformation Behavior Research Articles

A study on martensitic transformation behavior in shape memory alloys via a modulated differential scanning calorimetry technique

Highly precise and efficient characterization of thermophysical parameters associated with martensitic transformation (MT) in shape memory alloys (SMA) is challenging based on conventional calorimetry methods. Moreover, existing methods for evaluating the elastocaloric effect of SMA typically require a series of tests and calculations. In addition, the present method cannot evaluate the nonreversible part during MT. This work proposed a technique rarely mentioned in previous studies on martensitic transformation of metals and alloys, i.e., utilizing the modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) to superimpose a sinusoidal signal over an underlying DSC ramp. By adjusting appropriate measurement parameters, the reversible and nonreversible parts of thermal events during MT of SMAs were revealed. Furthermore, a series of thermal parameters useful for the study of MT can be obtained by this method and thus may provide a perspective for studying the MT process. Based on MDSC technique, we took Ni-Mn-Sn-(Cu) alloys, a kind of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, as an example to demonstrate the study of the MT process as well as the elastocaloric effect. From the perspective of energy dissipation, we analyzed the intrinsic relationship between nonreversible component and thermal hysteresis in the MT process. Conventional DSC test and experimental results on the adiabatic temperature change (ΔTad) were also provided to verify the MDSC prediction results.

Stress-induced martensite transformation and mechanical properties of fine-grained Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy fabricated by friction stir processing

Ti-10 V-2Fe-3Al, as the metastable β-type titanium alloy, has several applications in the aerospace industry due to its good mechanical properties. However, the study of stress-induced martensitic transformation behavior and corresponding mechanical properties in its small-sized grains (<20 μm) needs to be further clarified. This study investigates the relationship between grain size, stress-induced martensitic transformation, and mechanical properties of Ti-10 V-2Fe-3Al after friction stir processing. When the spindle speed increased from 200 rpm-100 mm/min to 350 rpm-100 mm/min, the grain size grew from 7.53 μm to 13.06 μm, and the martensite triggering stress decreased from 287 MPa to 111 MPa. The phase boundaries formed by α" and β, as well as the grain boundaries formed by α" and α", enhanced the plasticity of Ti-10 V-2Fe-3Al. The Crussard-Jaoul analysis method was used to investigate the effect of stress-induced martensitic transformation on Ti-10 V-2Fe-3Al, it was found that the martensitic transformation leads to dynamic softening. The formation of α" martensite results in an increased work hardening rate.

Influence of β-Stabilizing Nb on Phase Stability and Phase Transformation in Ti-Zr Shape Memory Alloys: From the Viewpoint of the First-Principles Calculation

In the present study, the effect of the Nb element on the lattice parameters, phase stability and martensitic transformation behaviors of Ti-Zr-based shape memory alloys was extensively investigated using the first-principles calculation. The lattice parameters of both the β parent phase and α′ martensite phase gradually decreased with Nb content increasing. For the α″ martensite phase, the lattice constant (a) gradually increased with the increase in Nb content, whereas the lattice constants (b and c) continuously decreased due to the addition of Nb. Based on the formation energy and density of state, β→α′ martensitic transformation occurred, as the Nb content was not more than 12.5 at.%. However, the Ti-Zr-Nb shape memory alloys with a Nb content higher than 12.5 at.% possessed the β→α″ martensitic transformation. However, both the largest transformation strain and sensitivity of critical stress to temperature (dσ/dT) can be optimized by controlling 12.5 at.% Nb in the Ti-Zr-Nb shape memory alloy, which was favorable to obtaining the largest elastocaloric effect.

Dual effects of pre-deformation and shape recovery process on martensitic transformation behavior in NiTi-Nb composite wire

The martensitic transformation behavior of NiTi-Nb composite wire following the pre-deformation and shape recovery (PD&SR) process was investigated. The wire drawing process significantly decreased the martensitic transformation start temperature (Ms) of NiTiNb alloy. Interestingly, the PD&SR process exhibited dual effects on the initial Ms temperature, depending on the annealing temperature. When the composite wire was annealed at higher temperature, the PD&SR process decreased the Ms temperature. In contrast, when the composite wire was annealed at lower temperature, the PD&SR process raised the Ms temperature. These dual effects can be attributed to the competition between the hindering effect of deformation dislocation and the promoting effect of stress coupling near the interface between the β-Nb phase and the NiTi matrix. At lower annealing temperature, the stress coupling generated by the β-Nb nanowires and the NiTi matrix is stronger, leading to an increase in the Ms temperature. Furthermore, the pre-deformation strain and shape recovery temperature influenced the dislocation density and the strength of stress coupling, thereby regulating the Ms temperature within a certain range.

Strengthening mechanism and martensite transformation behavior in grain-refined low-Ni austenitic stainless steel

Low-Ni (less than 3 wt%) austenitic stainless steels with different C contents were designed and heat treated to utilize both the grain refinement and carbide strengthening, and their effects were systematically investigated to elucidate the mechanism of tensile property improvement. Grain refinement to 2–3 μm with homogeneously distributed Cr23C6 carbides resulted in excellent combination of yield strength (YS) and tensile elongation (YS × Tensile elongation of nearly 30,000 MPa %) without yield point elongation. The strengthening due to grain refinement was complemented by precipitation hardening. Grain refinement inhibited deformation-induced martensite transformation (DIMT) to decrease the strain hardening rate, while fine Cr23C6 carbides uniformly distributed within austenite grains promoted DIMT and increased strain hardening rate by depleting Cr and C concentrations. Two competing effects of grain refinement and Cr23C6 carbide formation on DIMT resulted in the increase of strain hardening rate as the latter was more dominant on austenite stability. Strengthening mechanisms were clearly explained by quantifying the contributions from solid solution, grain refinement and precipitation hardening. Stacking fault energy and driving force for γ → α’ varied with C contents and annealing treatment, indicating that the optimum combination of C addition and thermomechanical treatment can yield the high performance low-Ni austenitic stainless steels.

The Effect of Fe Content on the Shape Memory Effect of Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe Shape Memory Alloy Microwires after Ordering Heat Treatment

The shape memory capabilities of Heusler alloy microwires with two different contents of Fe element instead of Ga element following step-by-step ordering heat treatment were explored based on the stoichiometric ratio of Ni2MnGa. The melt-drawing technique was used to create the polycrystalline microwires, and the two microwires had Fe atomic contents of 4.7 at.% and 5.5 at.%, respectively. The field emission scanning electron microscope was used to analyze the microwire’s surface condition as well as the microscopic tensile fracture morphology. Using an X-ray diffractometer, the microwires’ crystal structure was identified for phase analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to examine the microwires’ behavior during martensitic transformation. Using a dynamic mechanical stretcher, the elongation and recovery rate of microwires’ one- and two-way shape memory behavior were examined. The findings demonstrated that the microwire phase structure, martensitic transformation behavior, and shape memory capabilities all displayed good properties after the heat treatment was ordered.

A high-performance TRIP Mg-Sc-Zn alloy enhanced by fine grain strengthening and nano-precipitate strengthening

The Mg–Sc alloys have attracted considerable attention from researchers due to their martensitic transformation behavior. However, the relatively low yield strength limits their practical application. Thus, Zn alloying combined with annealing treatment was used to improve the mechanical properties by modulating its microstructure. Zn alloying can effectively delay the recrystallization rate and refine the grain size of the alloy. The β/α intensity ratio and grain size of β phase increase with the increasing annealing temperature. When the annealing temperature is 600 °C, the major phase is β-Mg-Sc with minor α-Mg-Sc, ScZn and Mg3Sc phases. Further increasing the temperature to 650 °C would lead to the dissolution of ScZn and Mg3Sc phases into the matrix, resulting in smaller precipitations. The Mg-Sc-Zn alloy annealed at 600 °C for 60 min owns the best comprehensive mechanical properties, with yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation of 307.2 MPa, 330.5 MPa, and 21.1%, respectively. Further TEM analysis reveals that fine grain reinforcement, precipitation reinforcement, and stress-induced martensitic transformation during tensile deformation are the main factors for the enhancement of strength and ductility in this alloy.

Microstructure and martensitic transformation in quaternary NiTiHfV alloy

The effect of age hardening on the microstructure, martensitic transformation behavior, and shape memory properties of the (Ni50Ti30Hf20)95V5 alloy was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, microhardness, and bending tests. The results demonstrate a significant influence of V addition on the microstructure of the alloy. V addition leads to the formation of a (Ni,V)2(Ti,Hf)-type Laves phase, which coexists with B19‘ martensite at room temperature. Aging at 550 °C results in precipitation hardening due to the formation of nano-scale orthorhombic H-phase, with the peak hardness observed after 3 h of aging. The alloy at peak hardness state exhibits higher transformation strain and lower unrecovered strain compared to the solution-treated sample. The aged sample achieves a maximum transformation strain of 1.56% under 500 MPa.

Multimodal assessment of mechanically induced transformation and damage in TRIP steels using X-ray nanotomography and pencil-beam diffraction tomography

A comprehensive multimodal measurement environment integrating X-ray computed tomography (CT) and special X-ray diffraction (XRD) using a collimated beam has been developed and was applied for the first time to investigate martensitic transformation and damage behaviour in transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steels. The transformation and damage behaviour of numerous γ grains were analysed individually to understand the behaviours and to identify the factors controlling these processes.A transition was observed from a stress-assisted transformation in the early loading phase, controlled by mechanical driving forces, to a strain-induced transformation controlled by dislocation density. A characteristic reversal in the transformation rate was observed whereby γ grains with a crystallographic orientation that initially undergo rapid transformation due to high mechanical driving force underwent a sudden deceleration of transformation. Conversely, γ grains with an orientation that initially underwent gradual transformation rapidly completed transformation. The preceding hard phase inhibited the transformation of neighbouring γ grains through the triple effects of reducing stress triaxiality, relaxing stresses and constraining plastic deformation.The growth of pre-existing voids was modest, and material damage was dominated by voids that were newly formed during deformation from α′ grains. The initiation and progress of damage were influenced by the combined effects of the γ grain morphology and their interaction with surrounding α′ grains. The complexity of the local morphology governed the martensitic transformation and damage behaviour, and geometrical parameters were identified as highly sensitive indicators for describing this phenomenon. Finally, industrial measures to design damage-resistant TRIP steels based on these research findings are discussed.

Phase transition and internal friction behaviors in Mn-doped Co-V-Ga shape memory alloys

Shape memory alloys with a high abundance of mobile interfaces exhibit remarkable internal friction (IF) behaviors, which can be utilized for the reduction of noise and vibration. In this study, we systematically investigate the martensitic transformation and internal friction behaviors in the Mn-doped Co53V35–xGa12Mnx (x = 0 - 10) polycrystalline alloys. Our findings indicate that using Mn to replace V results in decreased transformation temperatures but increased thermal hysteresis. The addition of Mn enhances magnetic exchange interaction, leading to a gradual enhancement in magnetization difference across martensitic transformation, thereby compromising the transformation entropy change and arresting the martensitic transformation. At a frequency of 0.4 Hz, the intensity of transformation IF peak is enhanced from 0.124 to 0.178 with increasing the Mn content from 0 to 4.5 %, as a result of deteriorated geometrical compatibility between austenite and martensite due to the addition of Mn. Furthermore, hydrogenation treatments substantially improve both the peak intensity and frequency dependence of peak position for the relaxation-type IF, demonstrating the great contribution from hydrogen-twin boundary interaction.

Stress-induced martensite reorientation and its related performances in trained β-Ti based shape memory alloy

In the present study, the influence of training on the microstructural evolution, martensitic transformation behavior and mechanical/functional properties of Ti–V–Al–Zr shape memory alloy was investigated systematically. With the increasing of training cycling number, the degree of martensite reorientation became larger and larger. Moreover, higher density of dislocations appeared in the interior of martensite variants, upon the excessive training cycling number was applied. The international stress can be brought into the matrix, which not only promoted to the ω→αˊˊ transition, but also made the martensite phase stabilizer and even suppressed the αˊˊ→β martensitic transformation during training process. The superior mechanical properties including maximum fracture stress of 906 MPa and the higher fracture strain of 33.6% can be obtained in Ti–V–Al–Zr shape memory alloy subjected with the training cycles number of 5th, which can be attributed to the matrix strengthening stemmed from work hardening and suppression of ω precipitation. Meanwhile, the lower critical stress for the martensite variant reorientation and enhanced matrix strength synergistically contributed to the superior strain recovery characteristics with total completely recoverable strain of 6% in Ti–V–Al–Zr shape memory alloy by controlling training cycles number of 5th. Meanwhile, the higher micro-hardness can be obtained by training.

Multi-doping effect on the martensitic transformation behavior of shape memory alloys

Incorporating various elements into host shape memory alloys (SMAs) has proven to be an effective strategy for optimizing their functional properties. However, modeling the complex multi-doping effect is challenging. In the present study, we introduced a phenomenological model based on Ginzburg–Landau theory, wherein each doping element is conceptualized as an internal dilatational stress. This internal stress is represented as a spatial Gaussian distribution characterized by two influential parameters: potency (h) and range (σ). The interaction between doping elements arises from the superposition of these stresses. Utilizing a time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau simulation based on our proposed model, diverse combinations of h and σ replicate the varied experimental outcomes associated with multi-doping effects. This model offers insight into the understanding of the doping impact on martensitic transformation and may contribute to the development of SMAs with tailored properties.

Unveiling the enhancing mechanism of cyclic stability in Tb doped Ni-Mn-Sn Heusler alloys

Rare-earth (RE) doping has been demonstrated as a feasible approach to improve the cyclic performance of Ni-Mn-based Heusler alloys, but the current demonstration of underlying mechanism is simply ascribed to strengthening of the grain boundary cohesion. In this work, the effects brought by RE doping on microstructure, stress induced martensitic transformation behavior and cyclic stability of Ni-Mn-based alloys were systematically investigated. By Tb doping, a stable adiabatic temperature change (|ΔTad|) of ∼ 5.5 K over 1000 cycles with no significant degradation was obtained in (Ni43Mn47Sn10)99.5Tb0.5. (1) Through the in-situ digital image correlation strain measurement and in-situ SEM observation upon loading process, it revealed a multipoint nucleation of the martensitic transformation across the specimen arising from the intergranular NiSnTb secondary phase as nucleate sites, which weakens the strain concentration and suppresses the crack tendency. (2) The multipoint nucleation promotes the transformation volume fraction, making the large |ΔTad| could be driven by a small transformation strain (Δεtr) and (Ni43Mn47Sn10)99.5Tb0.5 yields a |ΔTad/Δεtr| up to 8.7 K %−1. Such reduction in applied strain further alleviates the extension of the cracks. Both the two factors brought by Tb doping in (Ni43Mn47Sn10)99.5Tb0.5 give rise to the enhancement in cyclic stability of the large elastocaloric effect.

Larger Recovery Strains in Cast Fe–Mn–Si‐Based Shape Memory Alloys by Reducing Thermal Activation and Optimizing Mn Content

Previous work shows that a maximal recovery strain of 8.4% after being bent at room temperature is realized in annealed cast polycrystalline Fe–Mn–Si‐based alloys because of the reduced annealing twin boundaries. Theoretically, higher recovery strains can be expected at cryogenic deformation by reducing thermal activation. To confirm this idea, martensitic transformation behaviors and the recovery strains after being bent at 77 K are investigated in the cast Fe–(20–26)Mn–5.5Si–8.5Cr–5Ni alloys. Herein, larger recovery strains as high as ≈10.0% are realized in an annealed cast Fe–23Mn–5.5Si–8.5Cr–5Ni alloy after being bent at 77 K. The reduced thermal activation together with suppressed formation of thermal‐induced martensite by optimizing Mn content can account for the larger recovery strain. In these results, a new avenue is opened up for further enhancement of the recovery strain in Fe–Mn–Si‐based shape memory alloys.

Effect of Cu content on martensitic transformation and shape memory behavior in Ti31.5Hf15Zr5Ni48.5−xCux alloys

Effect of Cu content on martensitic transformation and shape memory behavior in Ti31.5Hf15Zr5Ni48.5−xCux alloys

Phase transformation behavior and shape memory effect of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy using the magnetic field assisted wire electrical discharge machining

Nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi-SMA) can restore its original shape after deformation, making it show great application in the fields of biomedicine, aerospace, etc. The wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) has the advantage of machining micro and complex structures, which can greatly promote the application of NiTi-SMA. However, there are issues such as heat affected layer (HAL) on the surface of WEDM, which can affect the functionality of NiTi-SMA. Therefore, when using WEDM to NiTi-SMA, more attention should be paid to the functional changes after machining. This article primarily examine is the impact of peak current and pulse on time on the phase transformation behavior, shape memory effect, and mechanical properties of NiTi-SMA during WEDM, and introduces into the magnetic field assisted (MFA) process to improve the machining performance of NiTi-SMA. The results indicate that the HAL formed on the surface of NiTi-SMA is primarily composed of the irreversible phase transformation of B2 austenite. This layer induces a hardening effect, resulting in an increase in the phase transition temperature and a decrease in the phase transition energy (∆HM-A), as a result, the martensitic phase transformation behavior is suppressed. When the peak current and pulse on time increase, the surface quality of the NiTi-SMA processed decreases. The thickness of the HAL and microhardness increase, causing an increase in the phase transition temperature of the NiTi-SMA processed samples. Additionally, the transformation energy ∆HM-A, shape recovery rate, and mechanical properties decrease, and after recovery, more surface cracks appear and show larger extensions. MFA-WEDM can improve the surface quality of NiTi-SMA processing, reduce the thickness of the HAL, and effectively enhance the phase transformation temperature and energy ∆HM-A of the NiTi-SMA processed samples. With a magnetic field strength of 0.45 T, the tensile shape recovery rates of 98%, 94.4%, and 91.0% were achieved at 2%, 5%, and 8% strain, respectively. This represents an improvement of 8.9% compared to the maximum shape recovery rate with conventional WEDM. At the same time, it also inhibits the generation and propagation of surface cracks after deformation recovery. Additionally, MFA-WEDM improves the mechanical properties of NiTi-SMA, and reduces the thickness of the brittle fracture region by 49.7% compared to conventional WEDM. Therefore, MFA-WEDM can effectively enhance the shape memory effect of NiTi-SMA. However, it is important to avoid excessive peak currents and pulse on time to achieve optimal shape memory functionality.

Regulation of cryogenic mechanical behaviors of C-added non-equiatomic CoCrFeNiMo ferrous medium-entropy alloy via control of initial microstructure

This study demonstrated the potential for customizing the desired properties of the Co18.5Cr12Fe55Ni9Mo3.5C2 (at.%) ferrous medium-entropy alloy by manipulating the deformation-induced martensite transformation (DIMT) behavior at liquid nitrogen temperature. This was achieved by modifying various initial microstructures through annealing at temperatures ranging from 900 to 1200 °C. The variations in DIMT kinetics were analyzed based on two main factors. (1) Inducing carbide precipitation by annealing at 900 and 1000 °C results in changes in the composition within the matrix, which may affect the stability of the face-centered cubic phase. Samples with a higher volume fraction of the carbide precipitates exhibit lower ΔGFCC→BCC and faster DIMT kinetics. (2) The onset and kinetics of DIMT are also affected by the use of martensite nucleation sites, which may vary depending on the presence of non-recrystallized regions or the grain size. In fine-grained structures, martensite primarily nucleated in the non-recrystallized regions and grain boundaries. However, in coarse-grained microstructures, martensite mainly nucleated along the in-grain shear bands and their intersections. This precise control of the microstructure results in superior properties. The samples annealed at 900 and 1000 °C with carbide precipitates and fine grains exhibit ultrahigh ultimate tensile strength, which may reach elevated values up to ∼1.8 GPa, while those annealed at 1100 and 1200 °C with larger grains and no precipitates exhibit a uniform elongation that exceeds 100 %.

Microstructure of Stress‐Induced Martensite in Micron‐Sized Zirconia Single Crystal Spheres

Martensitic phase transformation of zirconia (ZrO2), when realized from the superelastic effect, has immense potential in energy applications, such as micro‐actuation and high‐energy dissipation/damping. In this study, martensitic transformation in ZrO2 is studied using a newly developed microscale phase field model, which is scale‐independent and contains an averaged gradient term. The model is implemented using the FEniCS package in Python. With a thorough explanation of the model construction, the mechanics of phase transformation are detailed, and the material behaviors under different stress conditions are discussed. Mesh sensitivity, multivariant evolution, and the effect of particle size are analyzed to understand the martensite evolution in superelastic ZrO2. This work provides new insight into the martensitic phase transformation behaviors of micron‐sized spherical ZrO2 particles.

Damage accumulation and its effect during thermal- and stress-induced cycling martensite transformation of laser powder bed fused (LPBF) NiTi alloy

Nitinol (NiTi) alloys produced via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) exhibit promising potential across diverse applications, yet their suitability for devices necessitating repetitive actuation confronts uncertainties regarding microstructural evolution and functional fatigue behavior during cyclic operation. Our investigation unveils that damage accumulation during thermal cycling stems from geometrically necessary dislocations formed through finite-scale incoherent interface motion, contrasting earlier hypotheses attributing LPBF-induced dislocation activity as the primary contributor. Damage accumulation during mechanical cycling is characterized by notable multiplication of cyclic dislocations via dislocation twinning interactions, rather than severe martensitic plasticity. These newborn cycling dislocations inherit martensite's crystallographic characteristics, exerting a distinct influence mechanism on martensite transformation and deformation behavior, diverging from conventional studies on function fatigue in traditional NiTi alloys. This study sheds light on the distinctive damage accumulation traits observed during thermal/mechanical cycling of LPBF-fabricated NiTi alloys, offering valuable insights for probing their functional fatigue mechanisms.

Study on deformation-induced martensitic transformation behavior of 304 and 316 stainless steels

In this paper, the deformation-induced martensitic transformation behavior of 304 and 316 stainless steels is studied. The results show that martensitic transformation occurs in both 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel. With the increase of the strain, the martensitic transformation of the stainless steel samples increases, but the 304 stainless steel increases more significantly. The external shape of stainless steel has a certain influence on martensitic transformation behavior, and the martensite content of bar-shaped stainless steel is lower than that of plate-shaped samples under the same strain. The study results can provide technical guidance for the selection of stainless steel materials in the power grid.