Magnetic shape-memory alloys (MSMAs) are smart materials which show in single crystalline form a magnetic field induced plastic and recoverable deformation of up to 10 %. Ni-Mn-Ga is the as most prominent representative. The shape change of MSMAs is based on the motion of twin boundaries driven by a magneto-stress due to an applied magnetic field. The plastic deformation takes place in the martensite phase and does not require a phase change as needed in shape-memory alloys (SMAs). The combination of high strain of SMAs and high actuation frequencies positions MSMAs as attractive smart actuator materials. Several aspects influence the magneto-mechanical properties. To identify the influence of composition, surface deformation, and constraints separately, this dissertation consists of three parts: first, the characterization of composition, structure, transformation temperatures, magnetic and mechanical properties as a study on position within an ingot. Second, the influence of surface polishing and surface deformation on the twinning stress. Third, the influence of training and constraints on magneto-mechanical properties. It can be shown in this work that each of the investigated aspects has strong influences on i.e. martensite structure and transformation temperatures, twinning stresses, twin microstructure, and magneto-mechanical properties of MSMAs.

This book systematically describes the fundamentals of Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs), with an emphasis on low-dimensional structures such as foams, microwires and micro-particles. The respective chapters address basic concepts and theories, the fabrication of various architectures, microstructure tailoring, property optimization and cutting-edge applications. Taken together, they provide a clear understanding of the correlation between processing and the microstructural properties of MSMAs, which are illustrated in over two hundred figures and schematics. Given its scope and format, the book offers a valuable resource for a broad readership in various fields of materials science and engineering, especially for researchers, students and engineers.

Additive Manufacturing of Shape Memory Materials: Techniques, Characterization, Modeling, and Applications outlines an array of techniques and applications for additive manufacturing (AM) and the use of various shape memory materials, covering corrosion properties, material sensitivity to thermal, magnetic, and electrical effects, as well as sensitivity of shape memory properties to AM parameters, including part geometry effects and post-process treatments.Design for AM and a number of different AM methods are discussed, with materials covered including shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers, high-temperature shape memory alloys, and magnetic shape memory alloys. Characterization and modeling methods are also included, as is a chapter dedicated to real-world applications of these production techniques and materials. - Provides an overview of various shape memory materials, their additive manufacturing techniques and processes, their applications, and opportunities and challenges related to their production and use - Outlines the thermomechanical and functional properties of shape memory alloys that can be applied to their additive manufacturing processes - Covers techniques for additive manufacturing of shape memory polymers, shape memory alloys, high-temperature shape memory alloys, and magnetic shape memory alloys - Discusses characterization, post-processing, modeling, and applications of shape memory materials

This book provides a working knowledge of the modeling and engineering applications of shape memory alloys (SMAs), beginning with a rigorous introduction to continuum mechanics and continuum thermodynamics as they relate to the development of SMA modeling.Modern SMAs can recover from large amounts of bending and deformation, and millions of repetitions within recoverable ranges. SMAs are used in the medical industry to create stents, in the dental industry to create dental and orthodontic archwires, and in the aerospace industry to create fluid fittings. The text presents a unified approach to the constitutive modeling of SMAs, including modeling of magnetic and high temperature SMAs.

Overview of recent achievements, describing the microactuator development of microvalves and liner actuators comprehensively from concept through prototype. Further key aspects included are three-dimensional models for handling complex SMA actuator geometries and coupled simulation routines that take multifunctional properties into account. Mechanical and thermal optimization criteria are introduced for actuator design, allowing an optimum use of the shape memory effect. It is shown that some of the prototypes presented, e.g. SMA microgrippers, already outperform conventional components.

The giant magneto-strain effect in Ni-Mn-Ga alloys is particularly attractive for actuator applications. Two different approaches are being pursued to develop MSM microactuators. To observe large deflections of Ni-Mn-Ga microactuators, the material should be exhibiting low twinning stress and large magnetic anisotropy. In addition, design rules and boundary conditions for operating the Ni-Mn-Ga actuator material are having significant importance for evolution of performance characteristics.

Nanoscale Magnetic Materials and Applications covers exciting new developments in the field of advanced magnetic materials. Readers will find valuable reviews of the current experimental and theoretical work on novel magnetic structures, nanocomposite magnets, spintronic materials, domain structure and domain-wall motion, in addition to nanoparticles and patterned magnetic recording media. Cutting-edge applications in the field are described by leading experts from academic and industrial communities. These include new devices based on domain wall motion, magnetic sensors derived from both giant and tunneling magnetoresistance, thin film devices in micro-electromechanical systems, and nanoparticle applications in biomedicine. In addition to providing an introduction to the advances in magnetic materials and applications at the nanoscale, this volume also presents emerging materials and phenomena, such as magnetocaloric and ferromagnetic shape memory materials, which motivate future development in this exciting field. Nanoscale Magnetic Materials and Applications also features a foreword written by Peter Grünberg, recipient of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physics.