Interface propagation and energy dissipation in Shape Memory Alloys

Recent experiments showed that the macroscopic interface propagation of the martensitic phase transformation in Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) includes unstable microstructure evolution in the macroscopic diffuse interfacial zone (with nucleation, branching, merging and/or annihilation of numerous small domains), releasing the stored energy of the diffuse interface. In this paper, with a one-dimensional Cahn-Hilliard model, a quantitative relation between the energy dissipation and the interfacial properties (interface energy and interface thickness) is revealed: the energy dissipation is governed by the energy barrier caused by the diffuse interface. The relation is verifiable with existing experiments. It can also help understand the interfacial effect on the material's fatigue failure and provide a hint to search for low-hysteresis SMAs: weak first-order phase transformation implies weak energy dissipation (low hysteresis).

Automated summary

Recent experiments have shown that the macroscopic interface propagation of the martensitic phase transformation in Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) involves unstable microstructure evolution in the macroscopic diffuse interfacial zone. This evolution includes the nucleation, branching, merging, and annihilation of numerous small domains, which releases the stored energy of the diffuse interface. Using a one-dimensional Cahn-Hilliard model, this paper reveals a quantitative relation between energy dissipation and interfacial properties, specifically the interface energy and interface thickness. The relation, which can be tested with existing experiments, also provides insights into the interfacial effect on the material's fatigue failure and offers a clue for finding low-hysteresis SMAs characterized by weak first-order phase transformation and low energy dissipation.