Abstract:
Shape memory alloys find their applications in automotive and aircraft structures as microactuators. In present study, shape memory and mechanical behaviors of Cu-Al-Nb shape memory alloys are investigated with varying Ni addition (0, 1, 2 and 3 w/w %) by bend and tension experiments. It is observed that Ni addition has resulted in gradual improvement of mechanical and shape memory properties. Microstructure observation and xrd analysis reveals that this improvement in properties is because of increased amount of monoclinic 18R type thermo-elastic martensite. Ni containing Cu-Al-Nb shape memory alloy has also shown better corrosion resistance.
