In-situ experimental techniques for martensitic transformations

Experimental methods currently used at IoP ASCR in Prague for investigation of martensitic transformations in shape memory alloys (single crystals or polycrystalline samples) in-situ during thermomechanical loads will be briefly reviewed. The methods include: in situ ultrasonic studies of the propagation of acoustic waves in solids, in-situ electric resistivity measurements, in-situ neutron diffraction, in situ TEM using a dedicated thin foil holder for observation under applied stress, in-situ optical microscopy. Selected results achieved recently on CuAlNi and NiTi single and polycrystalline samples will be presented and discussed.