Abstract:
Copper Zinc Aluminum (CuZnAl) shape memory alloys (SMA) are receiving wide attention in recent years ue to applications in smart (adaptive) structures. A stress-induced phase transition occurs in SMAs that causes inelastic deformation and gives rise to an energy-absorbing capacity. Due to this inelastic deformation associated with SMA, CuZnAl shape memory alloys should be capable of having high fatigue lives. The energy-absorbing capacity and possible high fatigue lives makes CuZnAl promising material in the elimination of vibration induced fatigue failures in structures. In order to use CuZnAl in structural applications, a thorough study of its mechanical properties is required. In this thesis, the mechanical and fatigue properties of both austenitic $(M\sb{S}={-}7.3\sp\circ C)$ and martensitic $(M\sb{S}=42\sp\circ C)$ CuZnAl have been studied at room temperature through a mechanical testing program. The energy-absorbing capacity of superelastic, austenitic CuZnAl is also measured. Tensile, strain cycling, and low- and high-cycle fatigue tests were conducted at room temperature on austenitic and martensitic CuZnAl alloys. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
