Damping characteristics of R-phase NiTi shape memory alloys

This paper focuses on the study of damping behavior associated with the R-phase in NiTi shape memory alloy. The variation of the tan((delta) ) and Young's modulus as a function of temperature, ramp rate, frequency, and applied amplitude are systematically studied using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). It was found that the tan((delta) ) versus the temperature curve exhibits four peaks during the thermal cycle, two peaks each in the heating and in the cooling process. These peaks correspond to the martensite to R-phase, R-phase to austenite, austenite to R-phase, and R-phase to martensite transformations. The value of the tan((delta) ) at each peak is in proportion to the ramp rate and in reverse proportion to frequency. The vibration amplitude tends to have a minor effect on the tan((delta) ). The variation of these peaks with ramp rate, frequency, and amplitude are discussed based on the Delorme and De Jonghe damping model. In addition, the experimental results show that an isotropic softening occurs in the Young's modulus during martensite to R-phase, R-phase to austenite, austenite to R-phase, and R-phase to martensite transformations.