Microstructure and thermodynamics of the martensitic transformation

The complexity of the martensitic transformation between metastable phases supposes an intrinsic evolving capacity and confusing thermodynamic interpr etation. Experimental analysis establishes: a) The intrinsic thermoelastici ty and the mesoscopic processes (nucleation, interface friction, coalescenc e) inducing the hysteretic behavior. b) The irreversible evolution related to the dislocations creation produced by cycling and modifying the internal state of the sample, c) The time effects related to recoverable atomic ord er evolution (after quench phenomena, coexistence between the phases and se asonal room temperature effects).