Anisotropy of Cu-based shape memory alloys in tension/compression thermomechanical loads

Tension/compression thermomechanical experiments were performed on oriented CuAlNi shape memory alloy single crystals and CuAlZnMn single and polycrys tals. Response of the single crystals in thermomechanical loads was strongl y anisotropic, dependent on the orientation of the load axis and sense of t he load Tension/compression stress-temperature diagrams were constructed fr om experimentally determined transformation stresses and temperatures. It w as shown that the history dependent strain response of the single crystal i n a complex tension/compression thermomechanical cycle could be predicted f rom the diagram. Thermomechanical behaviors of the CuAlZnMn polycrystal und er tension/compression were reported and discussed on the basis of the know ledge of the single crystal anisotropy.