SEM characterization of the martensitic transformation induced by mechanical compression cycling in a β-(111) Cu-20.85 Zn-6.15Al shape memory single crystal

On submitting a Cu-Zn-Al shape memory alloy β phase sample to stress compressions cycles, stabilization of martensitic plates which do not retransform on unloading stress, can be seen. On increasing the number of cycles a greater amount of stabilized martensite plates can be observed as well as the growth of some at the expense of others, thus producing thicker plates in preferential orientations. Finally, the aluminium rich martensite nuclei appear, situated in the intersection between different martensitic variants which contain greater stored elastic energy which in turn favours transformation. (orig.)