A simple empirical model to quantify the residual strain of a Cu-Al-Be-Nb shape memory alloy

The wide knowledge of the thermomechanical behavior of shape memory alloys (SMAs) is necessary to obtain alloys with high thermal hysteresis, which makes it possible to eliminate the need for cryogenic means in many applications. In this way, the mathematical models appear as an effective alternative to describe this thermomechanical behavior. In the present work, a mathematical model was developed able to measure the residual strain for a Cu-Al-Be-Nb alloy as a function of the variables: strain, temperature and strain rate. It is observed that the results obtained through the model are presented with good agreement when compared with the experimental data. Furthermore, it was found that the model is capable of predicting the conditions necessary to obtain the maximum residual strain.