A lattice-based model of the kinetics of twin boundary motion

In this paper we derive a macroscopic kinetic law for twin boundary motion from a lattice dynamical model. The model is developed for compound and type-1 twins and it is explicitly illustrated for a Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy. The governing multiple-well energy is calculated using an effective interatomic potential; a Frenkel-Kontorowa type model is developed for the dynamics at the lattice scale; and a quasi-continuum approximation is used to determine the continuum-scale kinetics. The model predicts that compound twins in the Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy are an order of magnitude more mobile than type-1 twins which is consistent with experimental observations. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.