Characterization and modeling of defects generated in pseudoelastically deformed NiTi microcrystals

[1 1 0]-Oriented micropillars of 50.7 at.% NiTi were compressed to stress-induce a single martensite plate. Scanning transmission electron microscopy identified two distinct slip systems in the prior transformation zone with dislocation loops of alternating Burgers vectors and a doubly periodic dislocation substructure. Micromechanics-based modeling predicts these systems to be dominant for a specific martensite plate type and correlates these observations with the alternating stress state near twinned martensite plates. This combined experiment–modeling approach provides new mechanistic insight into defect generation during pseudoelastic cycling.