Optimization of the branching pattern in coherent phase transitions

Branching can be observed at the austenite–martensite interface of martensitic phase transformations. For a model problem, Kohn and Müller studied a branching pattern with optimal scaling of the energy with respect to its parameters. Here, we present finite element simulations that suggest a topologically different class of branching patterns and derive a novel, low-dimensional family of patterns. After a geometric optimization within this family, the resulting pattern bears a striking resemblance to our simulation. The novel microstructure admits the same scaling exponents, but results in a significantly lower upper energy bound.