Standard Active Last Updated: Oct 02, 2025 Track Document
ASTM E3506-25

Standard Test Method for Uniaxial Constant Force Repeated Thermal Cycling of Shape Memory Alloys

Standard Test Method for Uniaxial Constant Force Repeated Thermal Cycling of Shape Memory Alloys E3506-25 ASTM|E3506-25|en-US Standard Test Method for Uniaxial Constant Force Repeated Thermal Cycling of Shape Memory Alloys Standard new BOS Vol. 03.01 Committee E08
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Significance and Use

4.1 This test method defines procedures for repeated thermal cycling of SMA materials and components under constant force through partial or full phase transformation. This method measures the effect of repeated thermal cycling under constant force on transformation properties, accumulated strain, residual strain, strain evolution, and functional and structural fatigue. This test is done to provide data for material design, quality control, the selection of shape memory alloy materials, design allowables, actuator design, and failure analysis (1)6.

4.2 The objective of this test method is to assess the ability of SMA material and components to meet life expectancy requirements in an actuator application. Life expectancy requirements may include structural and/or functional fatigue limits, as defined in this test method.

4.3 This test method may be used for evaluating and specifying thermomechanical training procedures for processing of SMA actuator components.

4.4 This test method may be used to generate data to develop design values from SMA actuation life estimation methods, for example, in Ref. (2).

4.5 This test method may be used for cylindrical specimens such as wire, round tube or bar forms. Thus, it can provide an assessment of the product in its semi-finished form.

Example 1—constant torque repeated thermal cycling may be established by repeating Test Method E3414 in similar manner as Test Method E3097 is with this test method. Test parameters and results shall be determined with respect to force and displacement or torque and rotation, respectively, as measured at the ends of the active region of the specimen.

Example 2—Test Method E3097 is applied to SMA wire in Ref. (3).

4.6 This test method may also be used to evaluate effects of partial transformation cycles on repeated thermal cycling, as set by the LCT and UCT and agreed upon between the user and customer.

4.7 Actuation strains and actuation transformation temperatures defined and determined by this test method on partial thermal cycles may or may not be representative of the corresponding values determined on full phase transformation, regardless these values may still be useful for actuator design.

Example 3—partial thermal cycling is applied to NiTiHf to characterize and improve its life expectancy for actuation in Ref. (4).

4.8 Temperature requirements may be waived as agreed upon between supplier and customer for special use cases where it is not feasible to acquire temperature data.

Example 4—this test method can be used to evaluate strains and their evolution during current and power input controlled (and/or high rate) thermal cycling of SMA wire under constant force. In this case eUCT (n) and eLCT (n) become the minimum and maximum strains of the CFRTC cycle, respectively, with no connotation to temperature. Transformation temperatures and their evolution will not be measured or reported.

4.9 This test method is useful for quality control, specification acceptance testing, and research.

Scope

1.1 This test method defines procedures for repeated thermal cycling of shape memory alloy (SMA) materials and components under constant force through partial or full phase transformation. This method measures the effect of repeated thermal cycling under constant force on transformation properties, accumulated strain, residual strain, strain evolution, and functional and structural fatigue. This test is done to provide data for material design, quality control, the selection of shape memory alloy materials, design allowables, actuator design, and failure analysis.

1.2 The objective of this test method is to assess the ability of SMA material and components to meet life expectancy requirements in an actuator application. Life expectancy requirements may include structural and/or functional fatigue limits, as defined in this test method.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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Details
Book of Standards Volume: 03.01
Developed by Subcommittee: E08.05
Pages: 7
DOI: 10.1520/E3506-25
ICS Code: 77.120.99