Geometry of Needle-Like Microstructures in Shape-Memory Alloys

Needle-like microstructures are often observed in shape memory alloys near macro-interfaces that separate regions with different laminate orientation. We study their shape with a two-dimensional model based on nonlinear elasticity, that contains an explicit parametrization of the needle profiles. Energy minimization leads to specific predictions for the geometry of needle-like domains. Our simulations are based on shape optimization of the needle interfaces, using a polyconvex energy density with cubic symmetry for the elastic problem, and a numerical implementation via finite elements on a dynamically changing grid.