Gradient functional materials with phase transformations

Among gradient functional materials (GFM) a special place Is occupied by the alloys with unusual physico-mechanical properties (such as the shape memory effect, superelasticity, high damping ability, etc.) in which a gradient of the concentration of alloying components along some direction is set. Presence of the concentration gradient essentially affect these properties., (i) the temperature interval widens in which the shape memory and superelasticity effects take place; (ii) the response on external action connected to a temperature overfall changes; (iii) the behaviour of GFM becomes to some extent Similar to the one characteristic for bimetal materials. Conditions of the martensitic transformation progress in GFM change due to the presence of a preferred direction. Apparently, it is similar to the influence of induced anisotropy of properties.