Thermal Stabilization of NiTiCuV Shape Memory Alloys: Observations During Elastocaloric Training

The paper presents novel findings observed during the training process of superelastic, elastocalorically optimized Ni–Ti-based shape memory alloys (SMA). NiTiCuV alloys exhibit large latent heats and a small mechanical hysteresis, which may potentially lead to the development of efficient solid-state-based cooling processes. The paper starts with a brief introduction to the underlying principles of elastocaloric cooling, illustrating the effect by means of a typical thermodynamic cycle. It proceeds with the description of a custom-built testing platform that allows observation of temperature profiles and heat transfer between SMA and heat source/sink during high-loading-rate tensile tests. Similar to other SMA applications, a training process is necessary in order to guarantee stable performance. This well-known mechanical stabilization affects the stress–strain hysteresis and the cycle-dependent evolution of differential scanning calorimetry results. In addition, it can be shown here that the training is also accompanied by a cycle-dependent evolution of temperature profiles on the surface of an SMA ribbon. The applied training leads to local temperature peaks with intensity, number, and distribution of the temperature fronts showing a cycle dependency. The homogeneity of the elastocaloric effect has a significant influence on the efficiency of elastocaloric cooling process and is a key aspect of the specific material characterization.