Surface Tension and Energy in Multivariant Martensitic Transformations: Phase-Field Theory, Simulations, and Model of Coherent Interface

The Ginzburg-Landau theory for multivariant martensitic phase transformations is advanced in three directions: the potential is developed that introduces the surface tension at interfaces; a mixed term in gradient energy is introduced to control the martensite-martensite interface energy independent of that for austenite-martensite; and a noncontradictory expression for variable surface energy is suggested. The problems of surface-induced pretransformation, barrierless multivariant nucleation, and the growth of an embryo in a nanosize sample are solved to elucidate the effect of the above contributions. The obtained results represent an advanced model for coherent interface.