Shape Memory Alloy Microwires with Surface Roughness Controlled Damping

In a method for controlling energy damping in a shape memory alloy, provided is a shape memory alloy having a composition including at least one of: Cu in at least about 10 wt. %, Fe in at least about 5 wt. %, Au in at least about 5 wt. %, Ag in at least about 5 wt. %, Al in at least about 5 wt. %, In in at least about 5 wt. %, Mn in at least about 5 wt. %, Zn in at least about 5 wt. % and Co in at least about 5 wt. %. The shape memory alloy is configured into a structure including a structural feature having a surface roughness and having a feature extent that is greater than about 1 micron and less than about 1 millimeter. Energy damping of the structural feature is modified by exposing the structural feature to process conditions that alter the surface roughness of the structural feature.