Grain Growth Characterization of Ni\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3eMnGa

Project Overview: Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMA) such as Ni2MnGa possess a unique material property that allows them to strain up to 10% in an applied magnetic field. Strain is achieved through the magnetic-field-induced motion of twin boundaries. The highest reported strains have been found in single crystal MSMA but they are difficult and costly to produce. Polycrystalline materials are easier and more cost-efficient to produce than single crystals. Single crystals can be “cut out” from a polycrystalline material if individual grains are large enough. Very large grains may be formed via abnormal grain growth