Tracking the dynamics of power sources and sinks during the martensitic transformation of a Cu-Al-Ni single crystal

We have tracked the dynamics of the martensitic transformation in a Cu–Al–Ni single crystal by means of acoustic emission and infrared imaging techniques. A Fourier equation-based post-processing of temperature maps has enabled us to reveal the inhomogeneous and discontinuous character of heat power sources and sinks during the transition.

A good correlation between the dynamics of thermal and mechanical energy release has been evidenced. It has also been shown that the merging of martensitic interfaces results in an enhanced heat absorption.