Visco‐elasto‐plastic model for martensitic phase transformation in shape‐memory alloys

Evolution of fine structure in martensite undergoing an isothermal process is modelled on a microscopic level by using a positive homogeneous dissipation potential which can reflect a specific energy needed for a phase transformation between different variants of martensite. The model thus naturally incorporates an activation phenomenon. Existence of a weak solution is proved together with convergence of finite‐element approximations. Numerical experiments showing the expected rate‐independent hysteresis response are also presented. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.