Understanding the martensitic phase transition of Ni-2(Mn1-xFex)Ga magnetic shape-memory alloys from theoretical calculations

• By using first principles in combination with atomistic spin dynamics calculational methods, we determine the temperature-dependent free energies of the L2(1)-and L1(0)-Ni-2(Mn1-xFex) Ga (0 <= x <= 1), including phonon vibrational and magnetic energies. The x-dependent martensitic phase transformation (MPT) temperature (T-M) and the Curie temperature (T-C) are well represented. It is found that, the abnormal nonmonotonic behavior of T-M similar to x mainly originates from the phonon vibrational free energy. The magnetic energy, which does not change the trend of T-M against x but decreases the driving force of the MPT, is indispensable as well to get reasonable T-M values. This insight provides a good understanding of the physical mechanisms driving the MPT of Ni-2(Mn1-xFex)Ga, and promotes the improvement of their magnetic shape memory properties.

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NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

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