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The present investigation examines three models that predict the orientation dependence of the stress-induced transformation strain in shape memory alloys (SMAs). The merits of each model are con-sidered in light of experimental results for three SMAs: NiTi, Cu-Ni-Al, and Ni-Al. Published experimental results fit model predictions well in most cases; the few exceptions can be accounted for by factors not included in the present models. As part of the comparison of model results with experimental observations, Ni-Al stress-strain curves generated by one of the models are found to closely match experimental stress-strain curves for the [001], [011], and [111] stress axis orientations. Finally, the predicted transformation stress anisotropy is analyzed in detail to examine the effect of detwinning of the stress-induced martensite.

Abstract: A model that combines the phenomenological theory of martensite with a generalized Schmid’s law has been used to predict the principal stress combinations required to induce the martensitic transformation in unconstrained NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) single crystals. The transformation surfaces prescribed by the model are anisotropic and asymmetric, reflecting the unidirectional character of shear on individual martensite habit planes. Model predictions of the transformation strain as a function of stress axis orientation for a uniaxial applied stress further demonstrate the anisotropy of the stress-induced transformation in NiTi single crystals. Model results for the uniaxial stress case compare favorably with previously published experimental observations for aged NiTi single crystals.

The present article describes an investigation of the microstructure and tensile properties of cast Al-Li-Mg alloys with very low densities, in the range 2.3 to 2.4 Mg/m3. Low density is achieved by adding Li and Mg in excess of the solubility limit, which prevents subsequent dissolution of the Al2LiMg particles that form during solidification. A simple model developed during the course of this research allows prediction of the volume fraction of Al2LiMg and alloy density from alloy composition. The model was used to select two alloy compositions for detailed investigation: A112Li6Mg and A116Li8Mg. The microstructures of the cast alloys consist of coarse Al2LiMg particles embedded in an Al matrix containing Al3Li particles. Both alloys exhibit low tensile elongation in the as-cast condition. Additional processing steps were used to modify the microstructural characteristics thought to be responsible for the low tensile elongation of the ascast alloys. The A116Li8Mg alloy, with an Al2LiMg volume fraction of 0.25, does not exhibit increased tensile elongation as a result of processing, and the brittle nature of this material is attributed to the high volume fraction of the Al2LiMg phase. The A112Li6Mg alloy, with an Al2LiMg volume fraction of 0.13, exhibits a remarkable increase in tensile elongation after extrusion, an effect attributed to fragmentation and dispersal of a three-dimensional (3-D) network of the intermetallic phase in the as-cast alloy.