Two-way shape memory effect and mechanical properties of pulse discharge sintered Ni_{2.18}Mn_{0.82} Ga

Mechanical and shape memory properties of a polycrystalline Ni_{2.18}Mn_{0.82} Ga alloy prepared by a PDS (Pulse Discharge Sintering) method were investigated. It was found that the material demonstrates the two-way shape memory effect after a loading - unloading cycle performed in the martensitic state, i.e. essentially without special training. The samples exhibiting the two-way shape memory effect show a significant enhancement in the magnitude of magnetic-field-induced strain.