Finite-element-analysis of appearance and growth of a martensitic plate in an austenitic matrix

Finite element method - based on a finite strain continuum thermomechanical approach - is applied to the problem of temperature-induced martensitic transformation in elastoplastic materials. The appearance and growth of temperature-induced martensitic plate in bulk of the austenitic matrix is formulated, approximately solved and analyzed. Very complex and heterogeneous stress-strain fields in austenite and martensite and their nonmonotonous variation are modeled. Plastic shear strain can reach 60 % in some points and, after some elastic stage, change sign and vary by 40 %. After appearance of the martensitic plate, transformation work, which is the only variable part of the driving force, decreases by factor two during lengthening of the plate by 10 %. This can lead to growth arrest.