Self-similar field dependent curves for a Heusler alloy

• DOI: 10.1016/j.physb.2013.07.035
• Publication Date: 2013-08-29T14:31:20Z
• Authors: Maryam Ovichi; Hatem ElBidweihy; Mohammadreza Ghah...; Edward Della Torre; Lawrence H. Bennett; Francis Johnson; Min Zou
• Keywords: Magnetic refrigeration; Inverse temperature

Abstract Heusler alloys feature both regular and inverse magnetocaloric effects (MCE) near room temperature as they undergo two different transitions. A temperature scaling methodology to obtain self-similar field dependent curves for materials exhibiting one first-order transition has been previously presented. In this paper, this methodology is modified and extended to obtain self-similar curves for a Ni 51 Mn 32.8 In 16.8 Heusler alloy undergoing two transitions near room temperature. Using this method, the collapsed curve reflects the cluster compositions in the mixed-state regions. The results of characterizing the dual transitions of Heusler alloys and establishing a new model will allow the data to be better analyzed and thus more easily predicted.