Landau Theory For Shape Memory Polycrystals

TL;DR

This paper develops a Ginzburg-Landau theoretical framework to analyze the elastic behavior and domain structures of shape memory polycrystals undergoing a square-to-rectangle transformation, linking microscopic orientation to macroscopic properties.

Contribution

It introduces a novel continuum phase field model that incorporates crystal orientation to extend single crystal elastic free energy to polycrystals, enabling detailed study of domain morphology and mechanics.

Findings

Model captures domain evolution in shape memory alloys.

Predicts temperature-dependent mechanical properties.

Provides insights into microstructure effects on elasticity.

Abstract

We propose a Ginzburg-Landau theory for the elastic properties of shape memory polycrystals. A single crystal elastic free energy for a system that undergoes a square-to-rectangle transformation is generalized to a polycrystal by introducing a crystal orientational field that is determined from a continuum phase field model. The coupled system is used to study domain morphology and mechanical properties of shape memory alloys in different temperature regimes.