The effect of rapid solidification and grain size on the transformation temperatures of Cu–Al–Be melt spun alloys

Copper base shape memory alloys were prepared by melt spinning technique at different wheel speed. The study was focused to investigate the effect of rapid solidification and grain size on characteristic MS, Mf, AS and Af transformation temperatures. Changes on martensitic transformation temperatures in Cu–11.83 wt.%Al–0.48 wt.%Be melt spun ribbons were observed as grain size is reduced. A linear behavior curve of transformation temperatures as a function of grain size was observed. The transformation hysteresis grows as cooling rate increase. Results of optical microscopy and electrical resistivity were used to associate grain size with transformation temperatures.