Influence of the thermomechanical coupling on the propagation of a phase change front

Calorimetric effects related to the propagation of a phase change front in a monocrystalline shape memory alloy CuZnAl were derived from thermographic data analysis. At constant load, the displacement of the front induces a creep of the sample strongly depending on thermal exchanges with the surroundings. The main role played by the thermomechanical couplings can be pointed out by reversing the heat flux at the boundary of the sample: this leads to an inversion of the front propagation way associated with a recovery of the creep strain. (C) 2001 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.