Effects of Grain Size on the Martensitic Transformation in Copper-Zinc-Aluminum Shape Memory Alloys

摘要

The effect of grain size on the martensitic transition in a Cu-Zn-Al alloy was studied. As grain size increases the martensite phase is stabilized relative to the parent phase, as indicated by an increase in the martensite start temperature (Ms). Martensite stabilization due to thermal cycling is also corroborated. A method of grain refinement is introduced which will consistently yield grain sizes of less than 0.1 millimeters. (Author)