Size effects under martensitic deformation of shape-memory alloys

The effect of the grain size and film thickness on the parameters of martensitic transitions and deformation behavior of shape-memory alloys is studied in terms of the theory of smeared martensitic transitions. Comparison of theoretical results with experimental data suggests that the transformation kinetics related to the growth mechanism and shrinkage of martensite lamellas when transformation steps (dislocations) move along their boundaries is most sensitive to the size factor.