5.1 This test method provides a rapid, economical method for determination of transformation temperatures.

5.2 Measurement of the specimen motion closely parallels many shape memory applications and provides a result that is applicable to the function of the material.

5.3 This test method uses wire, tube, or strip samples; thus, it is able to provide an assessment of the product in its semifinished form.

5.4 This test method may be used on annealed samples to determine the transformation temperatures and assure the alloy formulation, since chemical analysis is not precise enough to determine adequately the nickel-to-titanium ratio of shape memory alloys.

5.5 Transformation temperatures derived from this test method may differ from those derived from other methods as a result of the effects of strain and load on the transformation temperature.

5.6 The test method is applicable to shape memory alloys with A_f temperatures in the range of approximately –25 to ± 90°C.

1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining the martensite-to-austenite transformation temperatures of either fully annealed or heat-treated nickel titanium alloys by measuring the deformation recovered during the thermal transformation.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with this standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.