Stress- and Strain-induced Phase Transformations

Stress- and strain-induced solid-solid phase transformations in metals, semiconductors and functional ceramics enable energy dissipation, strain accommodation, and microstructural refinement, which shape the materials’ performance. Understanding and controlling these phenomena are essential for optimizing the design and reliability of advanced structural materials. We use phase-field methods coupled to classical and non-classical continuum theories of solids to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms driving these transformations, their kinetics, and their influence on macroscopic material behavior. This approach allows us to simulate the evolution of phase boundaries under complex loading conditions, predict the impact of microstructural changes on mechanical properties, and explore design strategies for enhanced material performance.