Hysteresis and microstructure in shape memory alloys (A06)

• Subject Area: Mathematics
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 211504053

We study mathematical models for microstructure formation in shape memory alloys. These studies aremotivated by the hypothesis that the associated energy barrier plays a decisive role for the macroscopic hysteresis across the martensitic phase transformation. We use variational methods, based on geometrically linear or on finite elasticity. Specific themes are the formation of martensitic inclusions in an austenitic matrix and needle-like structures in regions where the orientation of the microstructure changes.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1060: The Mathematics of Emergent Effects
• Applicant Institution: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Sergio Conti; Professor Dr. Hans Knüpfer, until 3/2013; Professorin Dr. Barbara Zwicknagl