Coupling of interface kinetics and transformation-induced strain during pressure-induced solid-solid phase changes (Q1612666)

The author proposes a model describing the interaction of transformation-induced strain with the interface kinetics appropriate to a pressure-induced transformation in an isotropic Maxwell solid with incompressible phases. A spherical symmetric growth of a shell with initially negligible thickness into the core of low-pressure phase is considered. The core interior is at rest and unstrained. The temperature changes caused by the shear power and release of latent heat are both small compared with the background temperature. Transformation is slow by a process of nucleation and growth. Inertia is negligible, and the problem is nonlinear only because the phase interface is a moving boundary. The process is described by equations of motion for the phases, by interfacial jump conditions, and by a kinetic relation at the phase boundary. The linearized kinetic equation is stated assuming that interface propagates at speed proportional to pressure excess. The kinetic constant is found in experiments from the initial growth rate. The incorporation of creep in the model allows the core to transform completely in contrast with purely elastic or elastic-perfectly plastic models. Experimental results on olivine-spinel transformation are interpreted. The proposed model describes the short-term processes seen in experiments, and also the slower process of creep ultimately allowing complete reaction.