title: Surface tension and energy in multivariant martensitic transformations: phase-field theory, simulations, and model of coherent interface.
abstract: The Ginzburg-Landau theory for multivariant martensitic phase transformations is advanced in three directions: the potential is developed that introduces the surface tension at interfaces; a mixed term in gradient energy is introduced to control the martensite-martensite interface energy independent of that for austenite-martensite; and a noncontradictory expression for variable surface energy is suggested. The problems of surface-induced pretransformation, barrierless multivariant nucleation, and the growth of an embryo in a nanosize sample are solved to elucidate the effect of the above contributions. The obtained results represent an advanced model for coherent interface.
authors.affiliation: Iowa State University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA.
authors.forename: Valery I
authors.initials: VI
authors.lastname: Levitas
authors.forename: Mahdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Javanbakht