Abstract:
Martensitic transformation (MT) is a rst-order displacive structural transformation
in crystalline solids which involves breaking of symmetry, induced by cooling
(quenching) or applying external stresses on the high-temperature phases [1{3].
The structures stable above and below the transformation temperature are called
austenite (named after W. C. Roberts-Austen) and martensite (named after Adolf
Martens), respectively. Symmetry breaking of the austenite phase is a result of diffusionless
(cooperative) atomic movement and deformation in which atoms displace
relative to each other without breaking the bonds and not exceeding the interatomic
distance. These features distinguish an MT from other transformations. It
commonly occurs in steel, shape memory alloys, many elemental metals and their
alloys, and ferroelectric [4] materials. The set of materials known to undergo MT is
continuously increasing. These materials are of great importance to advanced technologies
ranging from medical applications to robotic structures, automotive and
aerospace industries. The immense technological relevance of materials undergoing
MT and interesting features associated with it make MT one of the most widely
studied phenomena by metallurgists and materials scientists.
