On a nonlinear system for shape memory alloys (Q1204016)

The authors consider a simplified version of a thermodynamic model introduced by F. Frémond for the martensitic phase transitions in shape memory alloys. The simplification consists of assuming that the temperature field of the specimen is known and that the mechanical regime is quasistatic. On the other hand, no strain gradient contribution to the free energy functional is assumed, that is, there is no smoothing fourth- order term in the momentum balance. Using techniques from semi-group theory, the authors are able to prove existence, uniqueness and regularity results for solutions to the system. They can also include cases where the variational inequality for the dynamics of the phase fractions models irreversible phase changes.