Low temperature deformation of the R-phase in a NiTiFe shape memory alloy

Deformation in the P3 phase (R-phase) of NiTiFe was investigated by in situ neutron diffraction during compressive loading at cryogenic temperatures. At 216 K, upon loading the R-phase detwinned and subsequently underwent a reversible stress-induced transformation to the B19' phase (martensite). At 92 K on the other hand, detwinning was suppressed and the stress-induced martensite formed did not transform back upon unloading. The experiments also directly observed a hitherto theoretically predicted B33 phase. Rietveld refinement of the neutron diffraction spectra were used to determine lattice parameters of the B33 and R-phases. Plane-specific elastic moduli were also determined for the R-phase. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3481694]