Ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMA) are a potential actuator material that exhibit large strain and high frequency response. FSMA pilot samples are usually small and brittle. In the present work, a novel piezoelectric device for measuring mechanical spectroscopy (MS) as a function of temperature and strain has been developed in order to study Ni₅₀Mn₃₇Sn_11-xTi_x (x=0, 2) FSMA. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) measurements were also carried out.

The equipment involves five oscillating elements, a crystal driver, two spacer bars, the sample and the crystal gauge [1]. The new device here developed results an important solution for measuring mechanical spectroscopy, where the condition of match in frequency cannot be satisfied due to limitations in the production process.