Instrumented indentation of transforming and no-transforming phases in Cu-Al-Be shape-memory alloys

► The pseudoelastic effect was evidenced in β CuAlBe phase under indentation. ► Microindentation becomes a powerful technique for the study of γ2 precipitates. ► The indentation response of the β and γ2 phases is remarkably different. ► An elastic limit for γ2 and β phase under Berkovich indentation was estimated.