Multiscale modeling of sensory properties of Co–Ni–Al shape memory particles embedded in an Al metal matrix

The concept of utilizing ferromagnetic shape memory alloys as embedded sensory particles in aluminum alloys for damage detection is discussed. When embedded in a material, a shape memory particle can undergo an acoustically detectable solid-state phase transformation when the local strain reaches a critical value. The emitted acoustic signal can be used for real-time damage detection. To study the transition behavior of the sensory particle inside a metal matrix under load, a simulation approach based on a coupled atomistic-continuum model is used. The simulation results indicate a strong dependence of the particle’s pseudoelastic response on its crystallographic orientation with respect to the loading direction. These results serve as a basis for understanding the efficacy and variability in the sensory particle transformation to detect damage processes.