| Recently, attention has been paid to shape memory alloys with ferromagnetic properties, called ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs). This is because the alloys show large and recoverable deformation, i.e. superelasticity and shape memory effect, due to the martensitic transformation. Moreover, the transformation is possibly controlled by an applied magnetic field and the response can be fast. Therefore, FSMAs have been considered as a strong candidate for the fast responsive actuator material.; In the present study, NiMnGa and Fe-Pd FSMAs are mainly used. NiMnGa alloys exhibit good shape memory effect with ferromagnetic properties. However, both experimental and analytical results show the magnetic field effect (up to 8 × 105A/m) on the phase transformation of NiMnGa is very small.{09}No martensite structure change can be detected by applying a magnetic field, while the force induced by magnetic field gradient can easily be obtained on the alloys. This force easily induces the martensitic transformation (i.e. decrease of Young's modulus) which leads to large deformation. This process is called “hybrid mechanism” in the present study. The main disadvantage NiMnGa is its brittleness, hence, it is not suitable to be used as an actuator material.; On the other hand, shape memory effect and superelasticity of polycrystalline Fe-Pd alloys have been confirmed. The martensite plate has been found consisting of very fine structures. The Young's modulus of the Fe-Pd alloys depends on temperature and has a rapid decline around the transformation temperature. Furthermore, a three dimensional (stress-temperature-magnetic field) phase diagram is constructed to clarify the possible driving mechanisms. Although the results of the present study show that the direct magnetic field effect on the phase transformation and martensite variant change is also very small, the “hybrid mechanism” is still very significant due to the large magnetization of the alloys. A model of stress-strain relationships based on micromechanics has been proposed as well.; Finally, several actuators based on polycrystalline Fe-Pd have been reported. These actuators are driven by the “hybrid mechanism”. A compact electromagnet may be incorporated in the actuator system. |
