Temperature dependence of reversible field-induced strain in Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal

Temperature dependence of reversible magnetic shape memory effect and magnetization changes were studied in Ni49.7Mn29.1Ga21.2. The twinning stress, equivalent magnetic stress, switching field and maximum strain all increase with decreasing temperature. A 5-6% reversible strain is observed in the temperature range of 307-263 K and it sharply decreases to 1-2% at temperatures below 263 K. The main features of the observed behavior are explained using a simple energy-controlled model. Predictions of the model agree well with the experiment. (c) 2006 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.