Contribution

Strain-related transformation twinning in minerals

Salje, E.

Abstract

Most phase transitions in minerals are related to changes of lattice parameters and hence the formation of spontaneous strain. This strain is the origin for twin microstructures which are analysed in the continuums approximation. Group theory and compatibility relations lead to the determination of the orientation of twin walls, elasticity theory is used to describe the interaction between walls close to their intersection. The dynamical behaviour follows from solutions of solitary waves in Landau-Ginzburg type potentials. The profiles of order parameters in the twin walls are predicted. Theoretical results are compared with experimental observations.

Mots-clefs

Minerals • lattice parameters • twin walls • strain • Landau-Ginzburg type potentials