A Phase Field Model for Martensitic Transformations

The martensitic transformation is described using a phase field model which is in mathematical terms the regularization of a sharp interface approach. In this work, up to two martensitic orientation variants are considered. The evolution of microstructure is assumed to follow a time dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation. The coupled problem of the mechanical balance equation and the evolution equations is solved using finite elements and an implicit time integration scheme. In this work, the global energy evolution during the martensitic transformation and the influence of external loads on the formation of the different martensitic phases are studied in 2d. (© 2012 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A Phase Field Approach for Martensitic Transformations and Crystal Plasticity

This work is motivated by cryogenic turning which allows end shape machining and simultaneously attaining a hardened surface due to deformation induced martensitic transformations. To study the process on the microscale, a multivariant phase field model for martensitic transformations in conjunction with a crystal plastic material model is introduced. The evolution of microstructure is assumed to follow a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation. To solve the field equations the finite element method is used. Time integration is performed with Euler backward schemes, on the global level for the evolution equation of the phase field, and on the element level for the crystal plastic material law. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Heat Conduction in a Phase Field Model for Martensitic Transformation

We study the martensitic transformation with a phase field model, where we consider the Bain transformation path in a small strain setting. For the order parameter, interpolating between an austenitic parent phase and martensitic phases, we use a Ginzburg-Landau evolution equation, assuming a constant mobility. In [1], a temperature dependent separation potential is introduced. We use this potential to extend the model in [2], by considering a transient temperature field, where the temperature is introduced as an additional degree of freedom. This leads to a coupling of both the evolution equation of the order parameter and the mechanical field equations (in terms of thermal expansion) with the heat equation. The model is implemented in FEAP as a 4-node element with bi-linear shape functions. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the influence of the temperature on the evolution of the martensitic phase. (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Solutions to a model with Neumann boundary conditions for phase transitions driven by configurational forces

We study an initial boundary value problem of a model describing the evolution in time of diffusive phase interfaces in solid materials, in which martensitic phase transformations driven by configurational forces take place. The model was proposed earlier by the authors and consists of the partial differential equations of linear elasticity coupled to a nonlinear, degenerate parabolic equation of second order for an order parameter. In a previous paper global existence of weak solutions in one space dimension was proved under Dirichlet boundary conditions for the order parameter. Here we show that global solutions also exist for Neumann boundary conditions. Again, the method of proof is only valid in one space dimension.     

Modeling,analysis and simulation of case hardening of steel

A mathematical model for the gas carburizing in steel is presented. Carbon is dissolved in the surface layer of a low-carbon steel part at a temperature sufficient to render the steel austenitic, followed by quenching to form a martensitic microstructure. We have a nonlinear evolution equation for the temperature, coupled with a nonlinear evolution equation for the carbon concentration, both coupled with two ordinary differential equations to describe the phase fractions. We present mathematical results concerning the well-posedness of the model and finally present a simulation of the process using a finite element approximation. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Phase-field modeling of martensitic phase transformations in polycrystals coupled with crystal plasticity – A spectral-based approach

The purpose of this work is the phase-field modeling of fcc-to-bcc martensitic phase transformations in polycrystals and the coupling with crystal plasticity. Assuming microscopic periodic fields, Green-function- and fast Fourier transform (FFT)-methods are used to solve the quasi-static balance of linear momentum. The Allen-Cahn evolution equation is discretized based on a semi-implicit time integration scheme in Fourier space. Two-dimensional results are presented and the interplay between martensitic phase transformation and plastic slip is studied at different stages of the deformation. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Viscosity solutions to a Cauchy problem of a phase-field model for solid-solid phase transitions

We investigate a partial differential equation which models solid-solid phase transitions. This model is for martensitic phase transitions driven by configurational force and its counterpart is for interface motion by mean curvature. Mathematically, this equation is a second-order nonlinear degenerate parabolic equation. And in multidimensional case, its principal part cannot be written into divergence form . We prove the existence and uniqueness of viscosity solution to a Cauchy problem for this model.     

A Regularized Sharp Interface Model for Phase Transformation Accounting for Prescribed Sharp Interface Kinetics

The macroscopic mechanical behavior of multi-phasic materials depends on the formation and evolution of their microstructure by means of phase transformation. In case of martensitic transformations, the resulting phase boundaries are sharp interfaces. We carry out a geometrically motivated discussion of the regularization of such sharp interfaces by use of an order parameter/phase-field and exploit the results for a regularized sharp interface model for two-phase elastic materials with evolving phase boundaries. To account for the dissipative effects during phase transition, we model the material as a generalized standard medium with energy storage and a dissipation function that determines the evolution of the regularized interface. Making use of the level-set equation, we are thereby able to directly translate prescribed sharp interface kinetic relations to the constitutive model in the regularized setting. We develop a suitable incremental variational three-field framework for the dissipative phase transformation problem. Finally, the modeling capability and the associated numerical solution techniques are demonstrated by means of a representative numerical example. (© 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A Regularized Sharp Interface Model for Martensitic Phase Transformations at Large Strains

The macroscopic mechanical behavior of many functional materials crucially depends on the formation and evolution of their microstructure. When considering martensitic shape memory alloys, this microstructure typically consists of laminates with coherent twin boundaries. We suggest a variational-based phase field model for the dissipative evolution of microstructure with coherence-dependent interface energy and construct a suitable gradient-extended incremental variational framework for the proposed dissipative material. We use our model to predict laminate microstructure in martensitic CuAlNi. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A phase field model for martensitic transformations with a temperature-dependent separation potential

Metallic materials often exhibit a complex microstructure with varying material properties in the different phases. Of major importance in mechanical engineering is the evolution of the austenitic and martensitic phases in steel. The martensitic transformation can be induced by heat treatment or by plastic surface deformation at low temperatures. A two dimensional elastic phase field model for martensitic transformations considering several martensitic orientation variants to simulate the phase change at the surface is introduced in [1]. However here, only one martensitic orientation variant is considered for the sake of simplicity. The separation potential is temperature dependent. Therefore, the coefficients of the Landau polynomial are identified by results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for pure iron [1]. The resulting separation potential is applied to analyse the mean interface velocity with respect to temperature and load. The interface velocity is computed by use of the dissipative part to the configurational forces balance as suggested in [3]. The model is implemented in the finite element code FEAP using standard 4-node elements with bi-linear shape functions. (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Martensitic transformations and damage: A combined phase field approach

A combined continuum phase field model for martensitic transformations and damage is introduced. The present approach considers the eigenstrain within the martensitic phase which leads in the surrounding material to both tensile and compressive stresses. The damage model needs to account for an appropriate differentiation thereof, since compressive stresses should not promote fracture. Interactions between micro crack propagation and the formation of the martensitic phases are studied in two dimensions. In agreement with experimental observations, martensite forms at the crack tip and influences the crack formation. For the numerical implementation finite elements are used while for the transient terms an implicit time integration scheme is employed. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The effect of precipitates on the evolution of a martensitic phase boundary

In this article, we study the role of defects in the quasistatic evolution of a martensitic phase boundary. The formulation of the model gives rise to a nonlocal free boundary problem, for which we present an implicit finite-time discretization. For an approximate model, assuming a nearly flat interface, we show that the phase boundary exhibits a sick-slip behavior in the presence of a heterogeneous environment, thus leading to a transition from viscous kinetics to rate-independent behavior. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Modelling thermoplastic material behaviour of dual-phase steels on a microscopic length scale - numerical treatment

On a microscopic length scale dual-phase steels exhibit a polycrystalline microstructure consisting of ferrite and martensite. In this work it is assumed that the martensitic phase behaves purely thermoelastic while for the ferritic phase a thermoplastic material model was developed based on the assumption that the driving mechanism for persistent deformation is the movement of dislocations on preferred planes in preferred directions. The necessary shear stress to move dislocations at a certain temperature and deformation rate is assumed to possess contributions from the atomic lattice, alloying atoms and the dislocation structure. To consider the influence of the dislocation structure, dislocation densities are introduced as state variables for which temperature and deformation rate dependent evolution equations are formulated. Since for general loading histories the model equations cannot be integrated analytically, a time discretized form of the model equations with an appropriate solution algorithm is presented. (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Asymptotic Behaviour for a Phase-Field Model with Hysteresis in One-Dimensional Thermo-Visco-Plasticity

The asymptotic behaviour for t of the solutions to a one-dimensional model for thermo-visco-plastic behaviour is investigated in this paper. The model consists of a coupled system of nonlinear partial differential equations, representing the equation of motion, the balance of the internal energy, and a phase evolution equation, determining the evolution of a phase variable. The phase evolution equation can be used to deal with relaxation processes. Rate-independent hysteresis effects in the strain-stress law and also in the phase evolution equation are described by using the mathematical theory of hysteresis operators.     

Evolution equations associated with non-isothermal phase separation: Subdifferential approach

This paper is concerned with a non-isothermal phase separation model, for instance, describing component separation dynamics for a class of binary systems (solid-solid systems). Our model is a couple of nonlinear parabolicPDE's which are possibly degenerate and singular at the same time. It will be shown that our model can be reformulated as a nonlinear evolution equation governed by subdifferential operator in a Hilbert space, and its mathematically basic questions, such as existence and uniqueness, can be handled in the abstract theory of nonlinear evolution equations in Hilbert spaces. Entrata in Redazione il 15 luglio 1997 e, in versione riveduta, il 25 ottobre 1997.     

Composite beams with shape memory alloy fibres

We are concerned with the bending problem of fibrous composite beams in which fibres are made of shape memory alloys. These are alloys that may undergo a stress‐induced martensitic phase transformation. The matrix is treated as an elastic medium, and perfect bonding between matrix and fibres is supposed. In our model, the beam is decomposed into layers and the hysteretic behaviour of the shape memory fibres is taken into account. The boundary value problem is formulated in the form of an evolution variational inequality which, after finite element discretization, can be solved incrementally as a sequence of linear complementarity problems. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

On an Energetic Interpretation of a Phase Field Model for Fracture

In the pioneering work by Griffith, it is assumed that a crack propagates, if this is energetically favorable. However, this original formulation requires a pre-existing initial crack. In order to bypass this deficiency of classical Griffith theory, Francfort and Marigo advocate a global variational criterion, where the total energy is minimized with respect to any admissible displacement field and crack set. Bourdin's regularized approximation of this variational formulation makes use of a continuous scalar field to indicate cracks. Based on this regularization a phase field fracture model is formulated. The crack field is assumed to follow a Ginzburg-Landau type evolution equation, and cracking is addressed as a phase transition problem. The coupled problem of mechanical balance equations and the evolution equation is solved using the finite element method combined with an implicit time integration scheme. The numerical solution naturally yields the crack evolution including crack propagation, kinking, branching and initiation without any additional criteria. In this work we study the driving mechanisms behind the crack evolution in the phase field fracture model and compare to the purely energetic considerations of the underlying variational formulation. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A constitutive model for shape memory alloy fibres and its applicability to prestressed composites

This contribution is concerned with a constitutive model for shape memory fibres. The 1D-constitutive model accounts for the pseudoplastic and shape memory effect (SME). The macroscopic answer of the material is determined by the evolution from a twinned martensitic lattice into a deformed and detwinned one. On the macroscopic scale these effects are responsible for the upper boundary of the hysteresis which is situated around the origin of the stress-strain-diagram. During the phase transition process inelastic strains arise. When the lattice is fully detwinned, a linear elastic branch at the end of the hysteresis is observed. The initial state of the material is recovered by unloading and heating the material subsequently. The constitutive model is derived from the Helmholtz' free energy and fulfils the 2nd law of thermodynamics. For the present model five internal state variables are employed. Two of them are used to describe the inelastic strain and a backstress. The others represent the martensitic volume fraction and are necessary to describe the SME. The latter variables are depending on the deformation state as well as on temperature. A change on temperature goes along with a reduction of the inelastic strain. The model is incorporated in a fibre matrix discretization to prestress the surrounding structure. The boundary value problem is solved for a truss element applying the finite element method. Examples will demonstrate the applicability in engineering structures. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

On a doubly nonlinear model for the evolution of damaging in viscoelastic materials

We consider a model describing the evolution of damage in visco-elastic materials, where both the stiffness and the viscosity properties are assumed to degenerate as the damaging is complete. The equation of motion ruling the evolution of macroscopic displacement is hyperbolic. The evolution of the damage parameter is described by a doubly nonlinear parabolic variational inclusion, due to the presence of two maximal monotone graphs involving the phase parameter and its time derivative. Existence of a solution is proved in some subinterval of time in which the damage process is not complete. Uniqueness is established in the case when one of the two monotone graphs is assumed to be Lipschitz continuous.     

Analysis of a nonlinear degenerating PDE system for phase transitions in thermoviscoelastic materials

We address the analysis of a nonlinear and degenerating PDE system, proposed by M. Frémond for modelling phase transitions in viscoelastic materials subject to thermal effects. The system features an internal energy balance equation, governing the evolution of the absolute temperature ?, an evolution equation for the phase change parameter χ, and a stress-strain relation for the displacement variable u. The main novelty of the model is that the equations for χ and u are coupled in such a way as to take into account the fact that the properties of the viscous and of the elastic parts influence the phase transition phenomenon in different ways. However, this brings about an elliptic degeneracy in the equation for u which needs to be carefully handled.In this paper, we first prove a local (in time) well-posedness result for (a suitable initial-boundary value problem for) the above mentioned PDE system, in the (spatially) three-dimensional setting. Secondly, we restrict to the one-dimensional case, in which, for the same initial-boundary value problem, we indeed obtain a global well-posedness theorem.