Phase-field modeling of paramagnetic austenite-ferromagnetic martensite transformation coupled with mechanics and micromagnetics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a 3D phase-field model for simulating magnetic phase transformations in materials like Ni2 MnGa, capturing microstructure evolution and effects of external stimuli on transition temperatures.

Contribution

It develops a novel phase-field model that couples mechanics and micromagnetics for paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transformations, validated by finite element simulations.

Findings

Model accurately reproduces ferroelastic and magnetic microstructures.

External magnetic fields and stress increase transition temperatures.

Transition temperature shifts depend on stimulus strength.

Abstract

A three-dimensional phase-field model is proposed for simulating the magnetic martensitic phase transformation. The model considers a paramagnetic cubic austenite to ferromagnetic tetragonal martensite transition, as it occurs in magnetic Heusler alloys like Ni2 MnGa, and is based on a Landau 2-3-4 polynomial with temperature dependent coefficients. The paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition is recaptured by interpolating the micromagnetic energy as a function of the order parameter for the ferroelastic domains. The model is numerically implemented in real space by finite element (FE) method. FE simulations in the martensitic state show that the model is capable to correctly recapture the ferroelastic and -magnetic microstructures, as well as the influence of external stimuli. Simulation results indicate that the paramagnetic austenite to ferromagnetic martensite transition shifts towards higher temperatures when a magnetic field or compressive stress is applied. The dependence of the phase transition temperature shift on the strength of the external stimulus is uncovered as well. Simulation of the phase transition in magnetocaloric materials is of high interest for the development of energy-efficient magnetocaloric cooling devices.