Microstructures, Phase Transitions and Geometry
Stefan G. Müller · Progress in mathematics · 1998
Microstructures are structures on a scale between the atomic scale and the macroscopic scale on which we usually make observations. They are abundant in natural and man-made materials, and often the microstructure optimizes a material’s properties (maximum strength at given weight, minimal energy, maximum or minimum permeability, … ). Some materials can change their internal microstructure and hence their properties in response to external influences. They are sometimes referred to as ‘smart materials’and are of great technological interest.