Papers by Author: Outi Söderberg

Abstract: The 10M modulated crystal structure in Ni-Mn-Ga martensitic phase with about 0.5 MPa twinning stress, was studied by X-ray diffraction reciprocal space mapping (RSM). The experimental procedure is established for collecting large range of RSM with scattering planes inclined to the surface of specimen. The investigation focused on the superlattice reflections caused by the modulation, which always appeared in two <110> directions in bulk material. The distribution of two modulation domains varies with scattering locations.

Abstract: The Landau theory has been developed for the description of martensite aging. The characteristic features of the theory are: i) the multicomponent non-scalar character of the order parameter describing the slow reconfiguration of lattice defects after martensitic transformation (MT); ii) the complete agreement with Symmetry-Conforming Short-Range-Order principle formulated by X. Ren and K. Otsuka; iii) the applicability to the different MT-s and various defects related to aging phenomena. The physical values interpreted as the components of internal stress, which stabilizes certain variant of martensitic phase, have been composed of the components of slow non-scalar order parameter. An applicability of the developed theory to the description of influence of aging on the MT temperature and yield stress was demonstrated.

Abstract: In the shape memory alloys (SMAs) the thermal triggering induces reversible dimensional change by the phase transformation – these materials may also be ferrior ferromagnetic, however, here only the ferromagnetic SMAs are discussed. In certain SMAs the austenitemartensite phase transformation is influenced by the magnetic field as either austenite or martensite is promoted by the field and this is exploited for the dimensional changes. However, in the magnetic shape memory (MSM) alloys no phase transformation occurs as the remarkable dimensional changes take place by the twin variant changes in the martensitic phase activated by the external magnetic field at constant temperature. In addition to the phase transformation or magnetic shape memory effect, the applied magnetic field may also result in the conventional magnetostriction (MS), enhance the superelasticity (magneticfieldassisted superelasticity MFAS) or induce the giant magnetocaloric effect (GMCE). Certain alloys such as NiMnGa may even be multifunctional showing more than one of these effects. The present paper gives an overview of the different types of the magnetically activated SMA alloys, their properties as well as their potentials for applications in the frameworks of the recent studies.

Abstract: NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) products appeared to the medical markets in 1980’s, their global market being more than US$ 130 billion in 2002. In most medical applications material must be biocompatible. NiTi offers the bodytemperature activated shape memory effect (SME), superelasticity (SE) and the damping capacity, which all can be applied in medical use. The dental arch wires and stents are benefiting from SE. The NiTi vena cava filters obtain their umbrella shaped mesh when SMEactivated. Generally the NiTi tubes and guidewires are applied in the minimally invasive medical procedures and in the interventional radiology. There are numerous steerable, hingeless, kink resistant, highly flexible clinical instruments that may provide constant force. NiTi is used for the dental implants and the attachments of the partial dentures and for the orthopaedics. In the latter one the main applications are the clamps for connecting bone fractures or parts for e.g. the spinal bentcalibration bar. Miniaturization has enabled small SMAactuators that are applicable in active endoscopes with allround bending and in actuators for kidney or heart pumps. The main risks using NiTi are the insecure fatigue life and possible cytotoxicity.