| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
2024 Undergraduate Student Poster Contest
|
| Presentation Title |
SPU-19: Advancing Cu-Al-Mn-Ni Alloys for Cost-Effective Elastocaloric Cooling |
| Author(s) |
Casen Legreid, Masha Lebedeva, Jun Cui |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Casen Legreid |
| Abstract Scope |
Elastocaloric cooling systems have emerged as a promising alternative to current thermal management techniques, offering improved energy efficiency and environmental impact by utilizing the elastocaloric effect of shape memory alloys. While Ni-Ti-based alloys are the current standard, their high manufacturing costs and transformation stress inhibit commercial applications. Industrial adoption of elastocaloric cooling requires a more cost-effective material, and Cu-Al-Mn alloys are a strong candidate. The material has demonstrated viable thermal properties and reduced transformation stress at lower manufacturing costs. However, it is hindered by inferior latent heat and inherent brittle character. This study aimed to enhance the thermo-mechanical performance of Cu-Al-Mn-Ni alloys through compositional analysis, followed by investigations into techniques for heat treatment, quenching, and low-temperature aging. Significant improvements were achieved in latent heat and transformation temperature control. Further optimization is necessary, but Cu-Al-Mn-Ni alloys show promise as a cost-effective alternative to Ni-Ti elastocaloric materials. |