Effect of Ni4Ti3 precipitation on martensitic transformation in Ti-Ni

Precipitation of Ni4Ti3 plays a critical role in determining the martensitic transformation path and temperature in Ni-Ti shape memory alloys. In this study, the equilibrium shape of a coherent Ni4Ti3 precipitate and the concentration and stress fields around it are determined quantitatively using the phase field method. Most recent experimental data on lattice parameters, elastic constants, precipitate-matrix orientation relationship and thermodynamic database are used as model inputs. The effects of the concentration and stress fields on subsequent martensitic transformations are analyzed through interaction energy between a nucleating martensitic particle and the existing microstructure. Results indicate that R-phase formation prior to B19' phase could be attributed to both direct elastic interaction and stress-induced spatial variation in concentration near Ni4Ti3 precipitates. The preferred nucleation sites for the R-phase are close to the broad side of the lenticular-shaped Ni4Ti3 precipitates, where tension normal to the habit plane is highest, and Ni concentration is lowest.