Mechanism for the bidirectional shape memory effect in titanium nickelide crystals

A mechanism for the bidirectional and all-round shape memory effects observed in titanium nickelide crystals is discussed quantitatively by using the theory of diffuse martensitic transformations (DMTs). These effects are associated with an anisotropic distribution of Ti₃Ni₄ particles, which arises in bent crystals subjected to annealing followed by relaxation of coherent microstresses produced by the particles. Using the DMT theory, the influence of the stepwise B2 → R → B19′ phase transition on the magnitude and sign of the radius of curvature of a thin strip of titanium nick-elide is calculated and the conditions are determined under which the bidirectional and all-round shape memory effects occur depending on structural factors and the geometrical parameters of the strip.