Microstructure of Martensite: Why It Forms and How It Gives Rise to the Shape-Memory Effect (Oxford Series on Materials Modelling 2)

Martensites are crystalline solids that display dazzling patterns at the microscopic scales. This microstructure gives rise to unusual macroscopic properties like the shape-memory effect. Starting with the crystalline structure, this book describes a theoretical framework for studying martensites and uses the theory to explain why these materials form microstructure. The macrostructure consequences of the microstructure are subsequently discussed. Complete with a piece of shape-memory wire and numerous examples from real materials, this book represents a successful case study in multiscale modeling, giving a clear understanding of the link between microstructure and macrostructure properties. Beautifully written, in a most clear and pedagogical manner, it holds appeal for a broad audience. On the one hand, it introduces modern modeling techniques to those trained in materials science, mechanics and physics and shows how these techniques can be used in real-world problems. On the other hand, it introduces physical phenomena to those trained in mathematics, and demonstrates how such phenomena give rise to interesting mathematical problems.