Piyas Chowdhury

NiTi superelasticity via atomistic simulations

The NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) are promising candidates for the next-generation multifunctional materials. These materials are superelastic i.e. they can fully recover their original shape even after fairly large inelastic deformations once the mechanical forces are removed. The superelasticity reportedly stems from atomic scale crystal transformations. However, very few computer simulations have emerged, elucidating the transformation mechanisms at the discrete lattice level, which underlie the extraordinary strain recoverability. Here, we conduct breakthrough molecular dynamics modelling on the superelastic behaviour of the NiTi single crystals, and unravel the atomistic genesis thereof. The deformation recovery is clearly traced to the reversible transformation between austenite and martensite crystals through simulations. We examine the mechanistic origin of the tension–compression asymmetries and the effects of pressure/temperature/strain rate variation isolatedly. Hence, this work essentially brings a new dimension to probing the NiTi performance based on the mesoscale physics under more complicated thermo-mechanical loading scenarios.

Atomistic fault energetics and critical stress prediction for fcc and bcc twinning: Recent progress

This paper recounts recent advances on the atomistic modeling of twinning in bodycentered cubic (bcc) and face-centered cubic (fcc) alloy. Specifically, we have reviewed: (i) the experimental evidence of twinning-dominated deformation in singleand multigrain microstructures, (ii) calculation of generalized planar fault energy (GPFE) landscapes, and (iii) the prediction of critical friction stresses to initiate twinning-governed plasticity (e.g., twin nucleation, twin–slip and twin–twin interactions). Possible avenues for further research are outlined. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4038673]15 This article recounts recent advances on the atomistic modeling of twinning in bcc and fcc alloy. Specifically, we have reviewed: (i) the experimental evidence of twinningdominated deformation in singleand multigrain microstructures (ii) calculation of generalized planar fault energy (GPFE) landscapes, and (iii) the prediction of critical friction stresses to initiate twinning-governed plasticity (e.g., twin nucleation, twin–slip and twin–twin interactions). Possible avenues for further research are outlined. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4038673]

Frontiers of Theoretical Research on Shape Memory Alloys: A General Overview

In this concise review, general aspects of modeling shape memory alloys (SMAs) are recounted. Different approaches are discussed under four general categories, namely, (a) macro-phenomenological, (b) micromechanical, (c) molecular dynamics, and (d) first principles models. Macro-phenomenological theories, stemming from empirical formulations depicting continuum elastic, plastic, and phase transformation, are primarily of engineering interest, whereby the performance of SMA-made components is investigated. Micromechanical endeavors are generally geared towards understanding microstructural phenomena within continuum mechanics such as the accommodation of straining due to phase change as well as role of precipitates. By contrast, molecular dynamics, being a more recently emerging computational technique, concerns attributes of discrete lattice structures, and thus captures SMA deformation mechanism by means of empirically reconstructing interatomic bonding forces. Finally, ab initio theories utilize quantum mechanical framework to peek into atomistic foundation of deformation, and can pave the way for studying the role of solid-sate effects. With specific examples, this paper provides concise descriptions of each category along with their relative merits and emphases.