Quasi-static dynamics and pseudoelasticity in polycrystalline shape-memory wires

A number of related but somewhat conflicting theories have been proposed to explain the pseudoelastic hysteresis exhibited by shape memory alloys (SMA). Some recent experimental results motivated us to introduce yet another model of thermoelasticity. Attempts to justify this model from a micro-thermomechanical perspective have led to the theoretical considerations in this paper. These discussions provide support for the model and they given new perspectives on previous approaches. Based on these ideas, a proposal is made that a realistic microscopic model of polycrystalline SMAs should be based on homogenization of a system of non-linear crystallites and dislocations. A route of attack for this new problem in homogenization theory is indicated.