Mapping the magnetocaloric effect at the microscale on a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy with infrared thermography

Abstract An innovative study of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) was performed by mapping based on direct measurements temperature change during magnetic field cycles with microscopic resolution (85 μ m) a Co-doped Ni–Mn–Ga bulk sample using infrared thermography whole sample. The MCE maps were constructed for different temperatures ( T ), cycling both heating (from 272.8 K up to , ⩽ 327.0 K) and cooling 340.0 down ⩾ 266.8 K), 1.2 at each value. calculated evaluate amplitude microscale all values. This allows analyze contribution micrometric portion spatially heterogeneous behavior that found. Significant differences are present associated inhomogeneity dynamics, mostly near structural transformation. its much more pronounced process. On process behaves quite homogeneously since transformation already occurred reach . selected map coordinates scrutinized, revealing significant amongst locations. Moreover, extreme amplitudes registered diverse micro-regions occur temperatures, suggesting occurs varying magnitudes. innovates constructing minority behaviors in contrast average effect. displays capability discriminate microscale.