Stress-induced martensitic phase transformation in Cu-Zr nanowires

A novel stress-induced martensitic phase transformation in an initial <100>/{100} B2-CuZr nanowire is reported for the first time in this letter. Such behavior is observed in a nanowire with cross-sectional dimensions of 19.44 × 19.44 Å2 over a temperature range of 100-400 K and at a strain rate of 1 × 109 s− 1 using atomistic simulations. Phase transformation from an initial B2 phase to a BCT (Body-Centered-Tetragonal) phase is observed via nucleation and propagation of {100} twinning plane under high strain rate tensile deformation.