A complete thermo-mechanical study of a NiTiCu shape memory alloy wire

Shape memory alloy mechanical performance and phase transformation temperatures depend on the composition of the alloy, on the thermo-mechanical history, and on the applied load. For this reason is important to execute a deep investigation of the SMA material before its final use. In this study we investigate the thermo-mechanical behavior of a NiTiCu wire under stress-free condition through the differential scanning calorimetry and the electrical resistance measurements and under load through tensile and hysteresis tests. The phase transformation temperature dependence on the applied load, by means of the Clausius–Clapeyron equation, as well as on the thermal treatment temperature are also studied.