DFG Priority Programme on magnetic shape memory alloys

The DFG Priority Programme SPP 1239 on the “Change of microstructure and shape of solid materials by external magnetic fields” will perform one of its annual focus meetings at the MPIE Düsseldorf on April 13-14. The meeting is devoted to the fundamental understanding of magnetic shape memory materials, including iron based as well as Heusler type alloys. The microstructural changes in these materials can at the same time result in large length changes and be performed with high switching frequencies, being promising for several applications. The (local) organizers of the meeting are Dr. Tilmann Hickel, head of the group “Computational Phase Studies”, and Dr. Ali Al-Zubi. Approx. 20 scientific partners from various parts of Germany (incl. the universities in Duisburg-Essen, Bonn and the Leibniz institute in Dresden) as well as invited speakers from USA, Spain and India will come together. A large variety of experimental as well as theoretical results will be presented and ample of time will be used for discussion, in order to bring this highly interesting system of materials further forward.