Ferroic domain characterization of Ni_(55)Mn_(20.6)Ga_(24.4) ferromagnetic shape memory alloy

The microstructure and coupling between structural and magnetic domains of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy Ni55Mn20.6Ga24.4 were investigated by scanning electron acoustic microscopy （SEAM）. Stripe ferroelastic domains （martensite variants） exist in every grain, and exhibit the configurations of the typical self-accommodation arrangement. Magnetic domain structure of Ni55Mn20.6Ga24.4 was observed by the Bitter method and magnetic force microscopy （MFM）. Due to the unique subsurface imaging capability of SEAM, combined with the Bitter method, the ferroelastic domain structure can be compared with in situ ferromagnetic domain structure. It is found that the martensitic variant boundaries coincide well with the ferromagnetic domain walls, which is beneficial for the understanding of the correlation between two kinds of ferroic domains.

Effect of Co on magnetic property and phase stability of Ni-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys:A first-principles study

The effect of Co content on magnetic property and phase stability of Ni50-xMn25Ga25Cox ferromagnetic shape memory alloys has been investigated using first-principles calculations. The total energy difference between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic state of austenite plays an important role in the magnetic transition. The high Curie temperature can be attributed to the stronger Co-Mn exchange interaction as compared to the Ni-Mn one. The phase stability of Niso-xMn25Ga25Cox austenite increases with increasing Co content, which is discussed based on the electronic structure.

Successive phase transformation in ferromagnetic shape memory alloy Co_(37)Ni_(34)Al_(29) melt-spun ribbons

The martensitic transformation in Co37Ni34Al29 ribbon is characterized in detail by means of in-situ thermostatic x-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements.The results show a structural transition from the body-centred cubic to martensite with a tetragonal structure during cooling.Comparison between the results of the diffraction intensity with the magnetic susceptibility measurements indicates that the martensitic transformation takes place in several different steps during cooling from 273 to 163 K.During heating from 313 to 873 K,the peak width becomes very wide and the intensity turns very low.The γ-phase （face-centred cubic structure） emerges and increases gradually with temperature increasing from 873 to 1073 K.

Ferromagnetic Fe-based Amorphous Alloy with High Glass-forming Ability

A ferromagnetic amorphous Fe73Al4Ge2Nb1P10C6B4 alloy with high glass-forming ability was synthesized by melt spinning. The supercooled liquid region before crystallization reaches about 65.7 K. The crystallized structure consists of alpha -Fe, Fe3B, FeB, Fe3P and Fe3C phases. The Fe-based amorphous alloy exhibits good magnetic properties with a high saturation magnetization and a low saturated magnetostriction. The crystallization leads to an obvious decrease in the soft magnetic properties.

Effect of Co substitution on magnetic properties of Ni-Mn-Sn magnetic shape memory alloys

The effect of Co substitution on magnetic properties of Ni-Mn-Sn shape memory alloy was revealed by first-principles calculations. Large magnetization difference in Ni-Mn-Sn alloy obtained by addition of Co arises from enhancement of magnetization of austenite due to change of Mn-Mn interaction from anti-ferromagnetism to ferromagnetism. Total energy difference between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic austenite plays an important role in magnetic transition of Ni-Co-Mn-Sn. The altered Mn 3d states due to Co substitution give rise to difference in magnetic properties.

Microstructure, martensitic transformation and mechanical properties of Ni-Mn-Sn alloys by substituting Fe for Ni

The effects of partial substitution of Fe element for Ni element on the structure,martensitic transformation and mechanicalproperties of Ni50-xFexMn38Sn12(x=0and3%,molar fraction)ferromagnetic shape memory alloys were investigated.Experimentalresults indicate that by substitution of Fe for Ni,the microstructure and crystal structure of the alloys change at room temperature.Compared with Ni50Mn38Sn12alloy,the martensitic transformation starting temperature of Ni47Fe3Mn38Sn12alloy is decreased by32.5K.It is also found that martensitic transformation occurs over a broad temperature window from288.9to352.2K.It is found that themechanical properties of Ni-Mn-Sn alloy can be significantly improved by Fe addition.The Ni47Fe3Mn38Sn12alloy achieves amaximum compressive strength of855MPa with a fracture strain of11%.Moreover,the mechanism of the mechanical propertyimprovement is clarified.Fe doping changes the fracture type from intergranular fracture of Ni50Mn38Sn12alloy to transgranularcleavage fracture of Ni47Fe3Mn38Sn12alloys.

Bio-inspired Actuating System for Swimming Using Shape Memory Alloy Composites

The paper addresses the designs of a caudal peduncle actuator, which is able to furnish a thrust for swimming of a robotic fish. The caudal peduncle actuator is based on concepts of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy （FSMA） composite and hybrid mechanism that can provide a fast response and a strong thrust. The caudal peduncle actuator was inspired by Scomber Scombrus which utilises thunniform mode swimming, which is the most efficient locomotion mode evolved in the aquatic environment, where the thrust is generated by the lift-based method, allowing high cruising speeds to be maintained for a long period of time. The morphology of an average size Scomber Scombrus （length in 310 mm） was investigated, and a 1：1 scale caudal peduncle actuator prototype was modelled and fabricated. The propulsive wave characteristics of the fish at steady speeds were employed as initial design objectives. Some key design parameters are investigated, i.e. aspect ratio （AR） （AR = 3.49）, Reynolds number （Re = 429 649）, reduced frequency （σ = 1.03）, Strouhal number （St = 0.306） and the maximum strain of the bent tail was estimated at ε = 1.11% which is in the range of superelasticity. The experimental test of the actuator was carried out in a water tank. By applying 7 V and 2.5 A, the actuator can reach the tip-to-tip rotational angle of 85° at 4 Hz.

Crystallization behavior of Ni_(54)Mn_(25.1)Ga_(20.9) ferromagnetic shape memory thin film

NiMnGaferromagnetic shape memory thin film was deposited onto Al foil using r.f.magnetron sputtering technique.The crystallization behavior of the film was investigated by XRD and DSC.The activation energy of crystallization of the film was calculated by Kissinger’s method.The results show that the crystallization temperature of NiMnGafree-standing thin film in martensite state is 372 ℃,and the activation energy of crystallization is about 191.9 kJ·mol-1.

Magnetic and mechanical properties of Ni–Mn–Ga/Fe–Ga ferromagnetic shape memory composite

A ferromagnetic shape memory composite of Ni-Mn-Ga and Fe-Ga was fabricated by using spark plasma sintering method. The magnetic and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated. Compared to the Ni-Mn-Ga alloy, the threshold field for magnetic-field-induced strain in the composite is clearly reduced owing to the assistance of internal stress generated from Fe-Ga. Meanwhile, the ductility has been significantly improved in the composite. A fracture strain of 26% and a compressive strength of 1600 MPa were achieved.

Theoretical investigations of half-metallic ferromagnetism in new Half-Heusler YCrSb and YMnSb alloys using first-principle calculations

Structural,electronic,and magnetic properties of new predicted half-Heusler YCrSb and YMnSb compounds within the ordered MgAgAs Clb-type structure are investigated by employing first-principal calculations based on density functional theory.Through the calculated total energies of three possible atomic placements,we find the most stable structures regarding YCrSb and YMnSb materials,where Y,Cr(Mn),and Sb atoms occupy the(0.5,0.5,0.5),(0.25,0.25,0.25),and(0,0,0) positions,respectively.Furthermore,structural properties are explored for the non-magnetic and ferromagnetic and anti-ferromagnetic states and it is found that both materials prefer ferromagnetic states.The electronic band structure shows that YCrSb has a direct band gap of 0.78 eV while YMnSb has an indirect band gap of 0.40 eV in the majority spin channel.Our findings show that YCrSb and YMnSb materials exhibit half-metallic characteristics at their optimized lattice constants of 6.67 and 6.56 ,respectively.The half-metallicities associated with YCrSb and YMnSb are found to be robust under large in-plane strains which make them potential contenders for spintronic applications.

Pressure effects on magnetic properties and martensitic transformation of Ni–Mn–Sn magnetic shape memory alloys

The mechanism for the effects of pressure on the magnetic properties and the martensitic transformation of Ni-Mn- Sn shape memory alloys is revealed by first-principles calculations. It is found that the total energy difference between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic austenite states plays an important role in the magnetic transition of Ni-Mn-Sn under pressure. The pressure increases the relative stability of the martensite with respect to the anstenite, leading to an increase of the martensitic transformation temperature. Moreover, the effects of pressure on the magnetic properties and the martensitic transformation are discussed based on the electronic structure.

Influences of Composition and Annealing on the Martensitic Transformation in Ni-Fe-Ga Alloys

A series of Ni-Fe-Ga alloys near the prototype Heusler composition （X2YZ） were prepared through arc-melting suction-casting method. The dependences of the transformation behavior on the alloy composition and annealing treatment were studied in detail by an optical microscope, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimeters methods. The experimental results show that the martensitic transformation temperatures increase almost linearly with increasing Ni content in all the NiFeGa alloys. Annealing the Ni55.5Fe18Ga26.5 alloy at 100-500 ℃ for 3 h and at 300 ℃ for 1-10 h shifts the martensitic transformation start temperature by almost 20 ℃ to high temperature. The variations in the martensitic transformation temperatures in these alloys are discussed in terms of structural differences resulting from alloy composition and annealing treatment.

The effect of Si content on the martensitic transformation temperature of Ni_(55.5)Fe_(18)Ga_(26.5-x)Si_x alloys

This paper investigates the effects of substitution of Si for Ga on the martensitic transformation behaviours in Ni-Fe-Ga alloys by using optical metallographic microscope and differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） methods. The structure type of Ni55.5Fe18Ga26.5-xSix alloys is determined by x-ray diffraction （XRD）, and the XRD patterns show the microstructure of Ni-Fe-Ga-Si alloys transformed from body-centred tetragonal martensite （with Si content x = 0） to body-centred cubic austenite （with x = 2） at room temperature. The martensitic transformation temperatures of the Ni55.sFelsGa26.5-xSi~ alloys decrease almost linearly with increasing Si content in the Si content range of x _~ 3. Thermal treatment also plays an important role on martensitic transformation temperatures in the Ni-Fe-Ga^Si alloy. The valence electronic concentrations, size factor, L21 degree of order and strength of parent phase influence the martensitic transformation temperatures of the Ni-Fe-Ga-Si alloys. An understanding of the relationship between martensitic transformation temperatures and Si content will be significant for designing an appropriate Ni-Fe-Ga-Si alloy for a specific application at a given temperature.

Electronic structures and magnetisms of the Co_2TiSb_(1-x)Sn_x(x= 0, 0.25, 0.5) Heusler alloys: A theoretical study of the shape-memory behavior

The total energy, electronic structures, and magnetisms of the Al Cu2Mn-type Co2TiSb1-xSnx（x = 0, 0.25, 0.5） with the different lattice parameter ratios of c/a are studied by using the first-principles calculations. It is found that the phase transformation from the cubic to the tetragonal structure lowers the total energy, indicating that the martensitic phase is more stable and that a phase transition from austenite to martensite may happen at a lower temperature. Thus, a ferromagnetic shape memory effect can be expected to occur in these alloys. The Al Cu2Mn-type Co2TiSb1-xSnx（x = 0, 0.25, 0.5） alloys are weak ferrimagnets in the austenitic phase and martensitic phase.

Microstructural,phase transformation and magnetic properties of Ni-Mn-Ga alloy fabricated by spark plasma sintering

The microstructural, phase transformation and magnetic properties of Ni Mn-Ga alloy fabricated using the spark plasma sintering method have been investigated. The results show that both the as-sintered and annealed sintered specimens exhibit typical martensitic transformation behaviours. The martensite of the sintered specimen after annealing exhibits a ferromagnetic nature. Moreover, study of the fracture surface indicates that the transgranular fracture con- tributes to the higher ductility of sintered Ni-Mn-Ga alloy. In addition, the transformation strain in sintered Ni-Mn-Ga alloy is studied for the first time.

Diverse features of magnetization curves of uniaxial crystals：A simulation study

We present a simulation of the magnetization curves, energy, probability, and torque landscapes of uniaxial systems with up to five anisotropy constants. The total energy used in the simulation is the sum of the anisotropy and Zeeman energies. The exchange interaction is not considered in the present work in which we treat single-domain-particle systems within a classical mechanics-based model. Diverse features of the calculated magnetization curves are highlighted for the studied systems. These diverse features are strongly dependent on the sign and magnitude of the simulation parameters.The model is versatile enough to handle both hypothetical and real material systems, e.g. HoFe（11）Ti and Y2Co（17）.

Phase transition and mechanical properties of Ni_(30)Cu_(20)Mn_(37+x)Ga_(13-x)(x=0–4.5) alloys

Ni30Cu20Mn37＋xGa13-x（x = 0–4.5） alloys were studied with the phase transformation and mechanical properties. With the increase of Mn content, the martensitic transformation temperatures increase and the Curie temperature decreases. Simultaneously, the room temperature microstructure evolves from single phase of austenite to dual phases containing martensite and precipitation. Both the ductility and the strength of the polycrystalline alloys are significantly improved by the precipitation. Coupled magnetostructural transition from weak magnetic martensite to ferromagnetic austenite is obtained in both single-phase and ductile dual-phase alloys.

Phase transition of Ni_(55-x)Co_(x)Mn_(20)Ga_(25)(8.5≤x≤11.0)alloys with different compositions and magnetic fields

Studies on Co-doped Ni–Mn–Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys(FSMAs)have been quite active topics in recent years.Unlike previous reports where the amount of Co doping was generally less than 8 at%,in this work Ni_(55-x)Co_(x)Mn_(20)Ga_(25)(8.5≤x≤11.0)alloys were studied with high Co doping.Unusual effects of both composition and magnetic field on phase transitions were observed.With the increase in substitution of Co for Ni,the magnetic transition temperatures increase gradually but the martensitic transformation temperature decreases quite sharply.In particular,the average decrease in the martensitic transformation temperatures is up to 100 K which is nearly twice that in the case of Co content of less than 8 at%.Further,under an applied magnetic field ranging from 0.03 to 0.60 T,abnormal stabilization of a martensite phase with lower magnetization was monitored.Magnetic entropy change of 1.6 J·kg^(−1)·K^(−1)was induced at the martensitic transformation of Ni46.5Co8.5Mn20Ga25 alloy by an applied field of 1 T.The magnetic contributions,including the magnetocrystalline anisotropy and the Zeeman energy,to the thermodynamics of the martensitic transformation are considered to understand the observed unusual phenomena.This work results in new insights into the understanding of Co-doped Ni–Mn-based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys.

Influence of stresses on martensitic transformation in ferromagnetic shape memory Ni_(50)Mn_(19)Fe_6Ga_(25) ribbons

The influence of stresses on martensitic transformation in Ni50Mn19Fe6Ga25 melt-spun ribbons was studied. X-ray diffraction examination shows that the ribbon has a pure cubic L21 phase at room temperature and that the ribbon surface exhibits [100] preferentially oriented texture, while the [110] axis is about 45° tilted from the normal of the ribbon. By calculating the d spacing at different angles with the length direction of the ribbon, the tension was observed. It was found that the direction of the stress was along [010] direction of the oriented textured grains. During cooling, there is no obvious structural transition observed in as-spun ribbons. However, when the ribbons were annealed at 900 K for 24 h, the tension along [010] direction disappeared and the structural transition from cubic to tetragonal occurred obviously during cooling. It indicates that it is the tension along [010] direction to suppress the martensitic transformation in the as-spun ribbons.

Influence of cooling rate on magneto-structural transition and magnetocaloric effect of Ni_(30)Cu)8Co_(12)Mn_(37)Ga_(13) alloy

The influence of heat treatment with different cooling rates on phase transition behaviors and magnetocaloric effect is systematically studied.Difference in atomic order is induced by changing cooling rates,where ordered phase is obtained in the furnace cooled（FC）sample while disordered phase is reserved in the water quenched（WQ）sample.The coupled magneto-structural transition is detected in both samples but the characteristic temperature significantly shifts to lower temperatures with increasing atomic order.Giant magnetic entropy change（ΔS_（mag））derived from magnetic field induced martensitic transformation is confirmed for both samples,and can be remarkably enhanced by the atomic ordering.The largestΔS_（mag） of 20.9J/（kg·K）is obtained at 307.5Kunder 5Tin the FC sample.