Factors affecting the generation of stress-assisted two-way memory effect in NiTi shape memory alloy

The combined effects of martensite pre-deformation and constrained stress on the generation of stress-assisted two-way memory effect (SATWME) were studied. Particular attention was paid to the generation of internal stress during thermal cycling under constant stress. The result highlights that the maximum SATWME is not determined solely by the maximum internal stress developed. The SATWME strain when subjected to 18% martensite pre-strain coincides, independently of constrained stress applied and internal stress developed. This study also provides experimental evidence that when under 400 MPa constrained stress the maximum SATWME shifts toward higher pre-deformation amplitude and this phenomenon is comparable to the increased cold-work. The results further suggest that the mechanism that associates with the change of Ms temperature plays critical role in determining the SATWME.