Effect of Ce addition on the microstructure and damping properties of Cu–Al–Mn shape memory alloys

The effect of rare earth element Ce addition on the microstructure, martensitic transformation, mechanical properties and damping behavior of the Cu–Al–Mn shape memory alloys (SMAs) had been investigated. It is shown that the Ce addition makes the grain refinement and affects the martensitic transformation temperature. The tensile strength and the ductility of the Cu–Al–Mn alloys can be enhanced by the Ce addition. Damping capacity tan δ of the martensite for the Cu–Al–Mn–Ce alloys is strain amplitude dependent. The Ce addition has obvious effects on the damping properties of the martensite. With the increase of the Ce content, the damping capacity increases initially and then decreases.