I need to prepare Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy using metal powder and melting it in arc furnace. how to determine what size of metal powder will be optimum?
As you are melting the mixture of Cu-Al-Ni in the electric arc furnace it is better to use metal ingots directly insted of using metal powders. Ingots are less expensive than metal powders.
You can mix the components in a powder state (using an inert agate mortar) and then compress them (making a tablet) before melting them in the arc furnace.