On the Nature of the Variation of Martensitic Transformation Hysteresis and SME Characteristics in Fe-Ni-Base Alloys

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to summarize the various investigations, both by the authors and other works, concerning with the martensitic transformation and SME in Fe-Ni-base alloys. The thermal hysteresis dependence on the alloying elements and thermal treatments are surveyed. The contribution and effect on SME characteristics of widely used alloying elements such as Ti, Nb, Ni, Al, Co, Ta and peculiarities of thermal treatment are discussed. It is noted the main goal of these treatments is to reduce the symmetry of transformation by the ordering or precipitation of a fine coherent phase. The physical principles of transformation hysteresis manipulation in Fe-base alloys is discussed and it concluded that the thermal cycling behavior of Fe-base alloys is very complex and is not clearly understood at present. On the other hand, it is pointed out that thermal cycling is an effective method for control and improvement of SME in these alloys. It is concluded that Fe-base alloys are highly evolved shape memory materials-having a wide working range, good workability and are relatively cheap. In addition, the properties are easily controlled by suitably alloying, aging and thermal cycling.