Magnetic shape memory effect and magnetization reversal

Simultaneous experimental determination of magnetization reversal M = M(H, sigma) and magnetic-field-induced strain epsilon = epsilon(H, sigma) as a function of magnetic field, H, and external stress, sigma, gives full macroscopic description of the behaviour of MSM material. Moreover, by simultaneous measurements of M and epsilon, the direct relation between magnetization and strain can be established. We measured these relations in different alloys and samples exhibiting different strain responses. The experimental dependences are interpreted within the framework of a simple energy model. The necessary conditions for the existence of magnetic shape memory effect are discussed and compared with the experiment. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.