The role of phase interface energy in martensitic transformations: A lattice Monte-Carlo simulation

• A statistical mechanics approach for modeling martensitic transformations.
• Lattice Monte-Carlo simulation for temperature and stress induced transformations.
• Effect of the interface energy between the austenitic and martensitic phase.
• Increase in the interface energy, decreases the width of the transformation zone.

To study martensitic phase transformation we use a micromechanical model based on statistical mechanics. Employing lattice Monte-Carlo simulations with realistic material properties for shape-memory alloys (SMA), we investigate the combined influence of the external stress, temperature, and interface energy between the austenitic and martensitic phase on the transformation kinetics. The one-dimensional model predicts well many features of the martensitic transformation that are observed experimentally. Particularly, we study the influence of the interface energy on the transformation width and the effective compliance. In perspective, the obtained results might be helpful for the design of new SMAs for sensitive smart structures and efficient damping systems.