On the nucleation and propagation of thermoelastic phase transformations in anti-plane shear. I: Couple-stress theory. II: Problems (Q1579703)

In this two-part study, a quasi-static propagation of phase boundaries in thermoelastic materials is analyzed in the case of anti-plane shear motion. A regularization of sharp interfaces between phases is based on introducing higher gradients of deformation using the theory of couple-stresses. Thermal effects are not considered. A material is characterized by a piecewise polynomial stress-strain relation. The first problem solved by means of a finite element method involves one-dimensional propagation of phase boundary in a homogeneous strip subjected to a prescribed time-dependent simple shear on its boundary. The authors discuss the macroscopic load-deformation curve, and describe the structure and motion of the phase boundary. The detailed response of material within the specimen containing a small inclusion (rigid particle or cavity) is calculated in two-dimensional case. Finally, the authors examine the relations of various bumps, dips and plateaus in the load-deformation curve to the phenomena occuring within the material.