Initial transformation around a notch tip in CuAlNi: Experiment and modeling

This paper reports on experiments and modeling predictions of polycrystalline samples of a CuAlNi shape memory alloy. Samples were loaded in four-point bending and the induced pseudoelastic martensite plates that occurred at a notch tip were observed in situ. Based upon the specific crystallography of each sample, near notch stress fields were calculated from finite element analysis. Using the calculated stress field, an available work criterion predicted which interface formed around the notch and the location the interface initiated from. Good agreement between the experimentally observed deformation and the predicted deformation shows that the available work criterion is predictive for arbitrarily oriented crystals in a polycrystalline sample.