Laser welding of Cu-Al-Be shape memory alloys: Microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract

Cu-based shape memory alloys are potential substitutes of NiTi shape memory alloys, owing to their lower production costs and recent increase inmechanical properties arising frombetter control of the microstructure. The development of joining technologies for advancedmaterials is key to expand to the potential applications of any engineering alloy. In thiswork, laserwelding of single crystal-like Cu-Al-Be shapememory alloys was performed. The microstructure and tensile propertieswere evaluated to understand the effect of laserwelding on the microstructural and mechanical features of thewelded joints. Cycling tests performed for awide range of temperatures revealed that the joints possess extraordinary superelastic recovery after joining, with potential applications in damping devices due to the significant amount of energy that can be absorbed during superelastic deformation.