Microstructural evolution and metastability in active materials

Abstract: "Metastable systems pose significant problems in both analysis and simulation. We discuss here the evolution of microstructure in a shape-memory alloy where energetic contributions from disparate scales play determining roles. This is a challenge for modelling since the finest length scales cannot be 'seen' at macroscopic level. We then provide a mechanism for kinetics that gives a different notion [sic] metastability."