Computer simulation of super-magnetoelastic behavior near critical region of magnetic materials based on phase-field method

Since the discovery of ferromagnetic morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) in 2010, the connotation and extension of MPB have been becoming more and more abundant. Over the last dozen years, much experimental work has been done to design magnetostrictive materials based on the MPB principle. However, due to the difficulty in direct experimental observations and the complexity of theoretical treatments, the insight into the microstructure property relationships and underlying mechanisms near the ferromagnetic MPB has not been fully revealed. Here, we have reviewed our recent computer simulation work about the super-magnetoelastic behavior near the critical region of several typical materials. Phase-field modeling and simulation are employed to explore the domain configuration and engineering in single crystals as well as the grain size effect in polycrystals. Besides, a general nano-embryonic mechanism for superelasticity is also introduced. Finally, some future perspectives and challenges are presented to stimulate a deeper consideration of the research paradigm between multiscale modeling and material development. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]