Orientation-independent pseudoelasticity in small-scale NiTi compression pillars

This study investigates the small-scale deformation behavior of [1 1 1], [2 1 0] and [0 0 1] NiTi shape memory alloys. In stark contrast to bulk deformation behavior, the pseudoelastic behavior of sub-micron diameter compression pillars is highly dependent on diameter and relatively independent of orientation. Transmission electron microscopy is used to investigate pillars post-compression, giving insight into the deformation mechanisms involved.