Martensite Start Temperature Research Articles

A data-driven approach to model the martensitic transformation temperature in strain-induced metastable austenitic steels

Strain-induced metastable austenitic stainless steels form an important class of materials in metallurgical industries for their wide range of applications. These steels undergo austenite-martensite phase transformation at temperatures above martensite start temperature, Ms, at which martensite is formed on mechanical deformation, also known as the Md temperature. Md temperature depends on several factors related to the steel and is important from alloy design perspective. In the literature, there are quite a few equations based on composition of the steels for the prediction of Md temperature. However, it is well known that the transformation from austenite to martensite is dependent on the austenite grain size as well as deformation conditions i.e. strain, strain rate and temperature of deformation. In the present work, the role of those parameters has also been considered. The model is implemented using fourteen input parameters viz., composition, grain size, amount of strain, temperature of deformation, and strain rate. The architecture of the neural network model is optimized rigorously to predict the Md temperature on a par with actual value. It has been shown that grain size and strain rate have very negligible influence whereas strain and temperature of deformation have quite strong role. Md temperature is increased with increasing strain whereas the temperature of deformation shows opposite dependence on it. An empirical equation thus, has been established to calculate the Md temperature of a steel as a function of its composition, grain size, temperature of deformation and strain. The final optimized model is then deployed to predict the Md temperature of different steels and predictions are found to be in close agreement to the experimentally measured Md temperatures. The developed model is general and can be extended to include other parameters as well as various other steel alloys.

General investigations on the heat treatment and thermal fatigue behavior of an experimental hot work tool steel tailored for laser powder bed fusion

An experimental hot work tool steel with a leaner chemistry compared to the standard AISI-H13 grade, aimed at enhanced processability, was gas atomized and processed using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) to >99.8 % relative density. The lower carbon content (∼0.25 wt% vs. ∼0.4 wt% in H13) resulted in a softer as-built (AB), and quenched martensite (∼485 HV1 vs. 625 HV1 in H13), higher martensite-start temperature (∼360 °C vs. 280–320 °C), and about ∼18 % reduction in dilatation, ascribed to the volume expansive martensitic transformation. Charpy V-notch impact toughness in AB condition (>30 J) was higher than those reported for AB H13. These features account for the improved L-PBF processability. The tempering response in comparison with a wrought H13, was characterized by a larger precipitation of thermally stable Mo- and V-rich secondary hardening alloy carbides at the expense of the easy-to-coarsen Cr-rich ones, attributed to the higher Mo and lower Cr content in experimental alloy. The combination of lower C- and V-contents in experimental alloy, reduced the driving force for the precipitation of coarse vanadium rich carbides during austenitization, as confirmed by electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS) and synchrotron X ray diffraction. This led to a stronger fine secondary hardening alloy carbide precipitation during tempering, and enhanced temper resistance. As elaborated by isochronal tempering, as well as tempering curves, reduction of the elements Si, and Cr shifted the secondary hardness peak to higher tempering temperatures. Consequently, tempering, and thermomechanical softening resistance was significantly enhanced in the new steel with a maximum hardness of ∼550 HV1 in over-tempered condition (i.e., slightly above secondary hardness peak). Thermal fatigue (TF) tests revealed a denser and finer TF crack network with a larger oxidation in experimental steel. Thereby, the TF crack penetration depth scaling with the local plastic yielding of the matrix was evidently shorter in the new steel compared with wrought H13, thanks to significantly improved hot hardness, thermal conductivity, and enhanced thermomechanical softening resistance. Finally, a proof of concept is demonstrated by processing a relatively large injection molding die (150 mm × 110 mm × 30 mm) with promising tensile and impact toughness properties after direct double tempering to 51 HRC, and 45 HRC hardness levels.

Phase-field simulation framework for modeling martensite and bainite formation in steel

In this study, we present a combination of phase evolution, chemical diffusion, temperature evolution, and finite strain elasto-plasticity to simulate the martensitic and bainitic transformation using the phase-field software library OpenPhase (OpenPhase, 2023). It is demonstrated how the carbon concentration significantly influences the martensite start temperature and the resulting microstructure. Furthermore, the kinetics of the transformation is strongly influenced by plasticity. For bainitic transformation, it is demonstrated how the holding temperature significantly influences carbon partitioning and the resulting microstructure: higher holding temperatures allow increased carbon diffusion and partitioning, stabilizing retained austenite, which is in good agreement with experimental observations. The present study offers new insights into the microstructure formation mechanisms during martensitic and bainitic transformations in low-carbon steel and offers a consistent modeling approach to model complex phase transformation scenarios in steel and other construction materials.

Influence of Cooling Rate After Destabilization on Microstructure and Hardness of a High-Cr Cast Iron

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of cooling rate after destabilization at 980 °C on the microstructure of 23 wt pct Cr–2.7wt pct C hypoeutectic high-Cr cast iron. Lowering cooling rate intensifies the secondary carbides formation, depleting carbon in austenite. This raises the martensite start temperature and lowers the bulk hardness. We thereby provide evidence explaining the origin of the sensitivity to cooling rate in high-Cr cast irons.

Microstructures, transformation temperatures and superelastic properties of the rapidly solidified (TiZrHf)50Ni25Co10Cu15 HESMAs

In this study, the effects of the rapid solidification process on microstructures, transformation behaviors and superelastic properties of the multi-component (TiZrHf)50Ni25Co10Cu15 (at%) high-entropy shape memory alloy (HESMA) were investigated. The as-spun (TiZrHf)50Ni25Co10Cu15 fibers were prepared by a rapid solidification process. The solution-treated (TiZrHf)50Ni25Co10Cu15 alloy bulk specimen consisted of a (NiCoCu)-rich matrix, (TiZrHf)2(NiCoCu)-type phase and carbide, while the as-spun fiber specimen consisted of (TiZrHf)-rich matrix and carbide. The (TiZrHf)2(NiCoCu)-type phase is dissolved in the matrix of as-spun fibers due to the rapid solidification process. The martensitic transformation start temperature of the (TiZrHf)50Ni25Co10Cu15 alloy increased from 53.5 °C to 91.5 °C after the rapid solidification process. Both the (TiZrHf)50Ni25Co10Cu15 alloy bulk and fiber specimens showed clear superelasticity and the total superelastic recovery strain increased from 4.6 % to 5.7% after the rapid solidification process.

Optimizing austenite and carbide content in medium carbon silicon-rich steel: A stepped partitioning strategy and analysis of strengthening and ductility enhancement mechanisms

To achieve the objective of enhancing the yield strength (YS) of quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steel without compromising tensile strength and ductility, a stepped partitioning (SP) strategy was proposed for Q&P treatment on medium carbon silicon-rich steel. The optimized partitioning strategy involves a two-stage partitioning, the first stage is conducted at temperatures above the martensite start (Ms) temperature, followed by the second stage carried out at a lower temperature for an extended period, involving isothermal partitioning. Experimental results demonstrate that the SP strategy yields a significant quantity of small carbides, with an average size of 59.02 nm, along with 15.71 vol% of retained austenite (RA) and a carbon concentration of 1.01 wt% in RA. Furthermore, the SP-treated specimen exhibits a remarkable balance of strength and ductility, showcasing YS, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and total elongation (TE) values reaching 1732 MPa, 2263 MPa, and 14.9%, respectively. The microstructure evolution during tensile deformation demonstrates that RA in short-duration conventional partitioning specimens underwent premature martensitic transformation during tensile deformation due to early deformation, whereas RA in long time conventional partitioning specimens was overstabilized due to highest C concentration, which resulted in poor enhancement of strengthening and ductility by TRIP effect. In contrast, the SP strategy achieved a reasonable stability of RA, resulting in a simultaneous increase of tensile strength and ductility. Simultaneously, an analysis of precipitation strengthening indicates that the abundance of fine carbides in martensite contributes to an increase in YS due to precipitation strengthening.

Influence of applied stress on shape memory characteristics of Ni50Ti45Cu5 (at.%) alloy subjected to thermomechanical cycling

Shape memory alloys have made rapid progress in many domains, primarily biomedical (endovascular stents, orthodontic archwires), and engineering (smart actuators, robotics, hydraulic couplings). The selection of a shape memory alloy for the indented application is based on its characteristic phase transformation temperatures. These characteristic temperatures are influenced by myriad parameters, such as composition, microstructure of the alloy, defect density, etc. When an shape memory alloy under an external load is subjected to cyclic operations to perform useful work, for example, actuators, these characteristic temperatures are modified. This study, therefore, aims to understand the influence of external loading on the shape memory characteristics of a Ni50Ti45Cu5 (at.%) alloy. A wire of 1.43 mm diameter and length of 100 mm was subjected to heating and cooling between its phase transformation temperatures in a cyclic manner under constant stress (of up to 60 MPa). The maximum recovery strain, actuation/retraction rate, and the stress influence coefficient were determined and compared with those of the other Ni-Ti and Cu-based shape memory alloys. The results show that raising the load level causes an increase in the transition temperatures, especially the Ms (martensite start temperature) rather than the other phase transformation temperatures (martensite finish (Mf), austenite start (As), austenite finish (Af)). It also significantly affects the recovery strain and the rate of retraction during forward transformation and the symmetry of operation.

Tailoring microstructure and mechanical properties of 17-4PH steel fabricated by wire-arc directed energy deposition via a combination of intrinsic and post-processing heat treatments

This paper examines the effect of intrinsic heat treatment, i.e., multiple transient heating from subsequent passes, and post-processing heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 17–4PH stainless steel fabricated by wire-arc directed energy deposition. By carefully controlling the interpass temperature to remain below the martensite start (Ms) temperature, intrinsic heat treatment effectively triggers the formation of Cu-rich clusters and the reversion of austenite. This approach results in a concurrent enhancement in the ultimate tensile strength, increasing from 1036 MPa to 1128 MPa, and elongation, increasing from 13.2% to 18.5%, for the as-built part. During post-processing heat treatment, the microstructural response to direct aging treatment hinges on the initial microstructure induced by intrinsic heat treatment. Notably, direct aging treatment significantly enhances the hardness and ultimate tensile strength of the as-built part created at an interpass temperature surpassing the Ms temperature. Conversely, its influence on the mechanical properties of the as-built component, fabricated at an interpass temperature lower than the Ms temperature, remains minimal. Additionally, the application of a solution treatment effectively eradicates the inherent microstructural characteristics, regardless of the initial fabrication conditions. Nonetheless, the grain size of the solution-treated specimen is markedly influenced by the as-built microstructure. Ultimately, a judicious amalgamation of intrinsic and post-processing heat treatments yields an exceptional combination of properties, including high hardness (465 HV), ultimate tensile strength (1437 MPa), and elongation (14.5%). These results underscore the significance of a comprehensive consideration of intrinsic and post-processing heat treatments to tailor the microstructure and mechanical properties of 17–4PH steel fabricated by wire-arc directed energy deposition.

The Mechanical and Functional Behaviors of Mn–15 wt%Cu Alloy Produced by Selective Laser Melting

Mn–Cu‐based alloys possess excellent mechanical and functional properties (damping capacity and shape memory effect). This work utilizes a typical additive manufacturing technique, selective laser melting (SLM), to fabricate Mn–15 wt%Cu alloys to explore the mechanical and functional behaviors. The results indicate that the γ‐(Mn, Cu) and a small amount of γ′‐(Mn, Cu) phase are the main phase compositions in the as‐SLMed Mn–15 wt%Cu alloy, as well as twins and second‐phase precipitation particles. The microstructure shows a fine cellular γ‐(Mn, Cu) dendrite with primary dendrite spacing of ≈0.9 μm in the columnar grains with a size of ≈8 μm. The martensitic transformation start temperature (MS) and phase transformation hysteresis are ≈132.6 and ≈5.1 °C, respectively. The existing nanoscale chemical segregations of Mn and Cu are attributed to the spinodal decomposition of γ‐(Mn, Cu). A compositional modulation is observed with a wavelength of ≈20 nm and an amplitude fluctuation of Mn (55–85 wt%) and Cu concentrations (15–45 wt%). Finally, the as‐SLMed Mn–15 wt%Cu alloy boasts good tensile properties (359, 268 MPa, and 3.6%), damping (internal friction of 0.032 when the strain amplitude is 9 × 10−4), and shape memory performances (one‐way ηow = 37–48%, and two‐way ηtw = 16–20% under the pre‐deformation strain of 2–3%).

Pre-existing orthorhombic embryos-induced hexagonal–orthorhombic martensitic transformation in MnNiSi1–x (CoNiGe) x alloy

The thermal–elastic martensitic transformation from high-temperature Ni2In-type hexagonal structure to low-temperature TiNiSi-type orthorhombic structure has been widely studied in MnMX (M = Ni or Co, and X = Ge or Si) alloys. However, the answer to how the orthorhombic martensite nucleates and grows within the hexagonal parent is still unclear. In this work, the hexagonal–orthorhombic martensitic transformation in a Co and Ge co-substituted MnNiSi is investigated. One can find some orthorhombic laths embedded in the hexagonal parent at a temperature above the martensitic transformation start temperature (M s). With the the sample cooing to M s, the laths turn broader, indicating that the martensitic transformation starts from these pre-existing orthorhombic laths. Microstructure observation suggests that these pre-existing orthorhombic laths do not originate from the hexagonal–orthorhombic martensitic transformation because of the difference between atomic occupations of doping elements in the hexagonal parent and those in the pre-existing orthorhombic laths. The phenomenological crystallographic theory and experimental investigations prove that the pre-existing orthorhombic lath and generated orthorhombic martensite have the same crystallography relationship to the hexagonal parent. Therefore, the orthorhombic martensite can take these pre-existing laths as embryos and grow up. This work implies that the martensitic transformation in MnNiSi1−x (CoNiGe) x alloy is initiated by orthorhombic embryos.

In-situ alloying of NiTiNb ternary shape memory alloys via laser powder bed fusion using pre-alloyed NiTi and elemental Nb powders: Microstructure, phase transformation behavior and functional properties

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) provides not only the advantage to make geometrically complex structures, but also the potential for in-situ alloying. In this work, (NiTi)100–xNbx (x = 1, 3, 5, 9 at%) ternary shape memory alloys were in-situ synthesized through L-PBF using a mixture of pre-alloyed near-equiatomic NiTi and elemental Nb powders. Low-Nb (1, 3 at%) alloys exhibit coarse columnar grains and high cracking tendency, while high-Nb (5, 9 at%) alloys show fine microstructure and low cracking susceptibility. Increasing Nb content leads to a transition from planar to cellular/dendritic growth, as a result of the increased constitutional supercooling (ΔTCS) and thermal undercooling (ΔTt) ahead of the solidification front. The L-PBF fabricated (NiTi)91Nb9 alloy shows comparable transformation characteristics to the conventional Ni47Ti44Nb9 alloy, with martensite start temperature (Ms) of 190 K and thermal hysteresis up to ca. 170 K after 20% pre-deformation. Achieving low Ms temperature with near-equiatomic Ni/Ti composition (i.e., Ni/Ti=1.024) is attributed to severe lattice distortion caused by Nb solution in the supersaturated matrix and the depletion of Ti to form the Ti-rich β-Nb phase, which resulted from the intrinsic rapid solidification associated with L-PBF. The in-situ alloyed (NiTi)100–xNbx alloys exhibit good mechanical and functional properties (total fracture strain >7%, and shape recovery rates >85%). This work may provide insights into in-situ alloying of NiTi-based ternary SMAs through L-PBF.

Effect of austenitizing temperature on martensitic transformation in SA508Gr.4N steel

SA508Gr.4 N steel is commonly used in nuclear pressure vessels. The current study discloses the impact of austenitizing temperature on its martensitic transformation. Various austenitizing temperatures were employed to examine the martensitic transformation at different experimental conditions. The characteristics of grain boundaries, microstructure, transformation kinetics, and crystallography of the martensitic phase following the austenitizing process and martensitic transformation were analyzed. Austenitizing temperatures had minimal effects on the critical temperature of the austenitizing phase transition. However, an increase in austenitizing temperature resulted in larger grain sizes. The phase composition primarily consisted of lath martensite, accompanied by a small amount of residual austenite (RA). As the austenitizing temperature increased, the temperature of martensite-start temperature (Ms) initially decreased and then increased. On the other hand, the temperature of martensite-finish (Mf) showed no significant sensitivity to changes in the austenitizing temperature. Moreover, the average size of the lath martensite structure was increased, and there was an increased tendency for variant selection as the austenitizing temperature increased, and the combination of specific orientation relationships appeared. This study is very valuable for revealing the microstructure evolution at different temperatures.

Laser powder bed fusion of crack-susceptible stainless maraging steel undergoing solid-state phase transformations

For alloys that experience solid-state phase transformation upon cooling, the absence of as-solidified chemical segregation information makes the elimination of hot cracking challenging. One such material is the hot-crack-susceptible high-strength maraging steel C465. Here, we resolve its hot cracking problem under the laser powder bed fusion process through the addition of titanium nitride (TiN) particles. During solidification, TiN promotes grain refinement and reduces the formation of liquid films with low solidus temperatures. Under cooling, the partial dissolution of TiN lowers the martensite start temperature and yields more retained austenite. Upon subsequent annealing, the dissolved titanium slows down the austenite reversion kinetics, while the dissolved nitrogen improves the yield strength. Materials under tensile deformation follow a three-stage work-hardening behavior, indicative of strain-induced martensitic transformations. This work highlights that besides the nucleant's grain refinement potency, the effect of its partial dissolution during processing needs to be critically examined, when addressing the hot cracking problem for alloys prone to phase transformations.

Effect of common alloying elements on α’ martensite start temperature in titanium alloys

Accurate prediction of the martensitic start (Ms) temperature is critical for controlling the β to α′ phase transformation process in titanium alloys. Based on the Galindo-Nava's model, the changes in Ms temperature for common Ti-X binary titanium alloys and Ti–Al–V–O systems with varying contents of alloying elements have been predicted in this work. The main results are as follows: The profiles of Ms and Tβ are consistent for different alloying elements, and the difference between Ms and Tβ is larger for alloying elements with higher substitutional strain energy. As the α phase stabilizing element content increases, the Ms point of the alloy raises, while it decreases for increasing β phase stabilizing element. Moreover, the effect of Al on Ms is stronger compared to that of V. It is worth mentioning that the metastability of the β phase at high temperature is the main factor determining Ms. Additionally, the substitutional strain energy contributed by Al is about two orders of magnitude higher than that of V, or the interstitial strain energy of (per 0.05 wt%) O. The present calculations are in good agreement with certain experimental results. The findings provide valuable insights into understanding and controlling the process of β to α′ phase transformation, and they would offer guidance for component design and optimization of titanium alloys.

Effect of Mn content on microstructure and transformation behavior of TiZrHfNiCoCu multi-component high-entropy shape memory alloys

Multi-component Ti16.667Zr16.667Hf16.667Ni25Co10Cu15-XMnX at.% (X = 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7) high-entropy shape memory alloys (HESMAs) were prepared by arc-melting and then microstructures, transformation temperatures, phase constituents and superelastic properties were investigated by scanning electron microscope observation, differential scanning calorimetery, X-ray diffraction and dynamic mechanical analysis in tensile mode, respectively. The microstructure of solution-treated TiZrHfNiCoCuMn HESMAs specimens consisted of (NiCoCuMn)-rich matrix, (TiZrHf)2(NiCoCuMn)-type phase and (TiZrHf)(NiCoCuMn)-type phase. The area fraction of (TiZrHf)2(NiCoCuMn)-type phase increased from 1.7 to 5.1% with increasing Mn content from 0 to 7 at.%. The area fraction of the (TiZrHf)(NiCoCuMn)-type phase increased from 1.9 to 17.2% with increasing Mn content from 3 to 7 at.%. -ΔHmix effect was dominant over ΔSmix and δ effects for phase constitution in TiZrHfNiCoCuMn HESMAs. The martensitic transformation start temperature decreased with the addition of Mn content up to 3 at.% and then increased with increasing Mn content from 3 at.% to 7 at.%. TiZrHfNiCoCuMn HESMAs showed clear superelasticity and the total recovered strain decreased with increasing Mn content.

Destabilization Treatment and Its Influence on Microstructure and Matrix Hardness of High-Cr Cast Iron

AbstractHigh-chromium cast irons are an essential class of wear-resistant materials commonly used for wear-resistant applications in the mining and steel industries. There is ongoing debate on the secondary carbide types and their formation sequences during heat treatment. This work examines the microstructural evolution during destabilization treatment of a hypoeutectic high-chromium cast iron containing 2.2 wt pct C and 16.5 wt pct Cr. Starting from an inhomogeneous as-cast microstructure consisting of ~ 28 pct M7C3 eutectic carbide and a mixed matrix of martensite and retained austenite, destabilization treatments resulted in the establishment of near homogeneous structure with a near equilibrium level of carbon concentration in the matrix, which fully transformed to martensite upon cooling. Homogeneously distributed M23C6 secondary carbides with a square-shaped morphology and 100 to 500 nm in size precipitated during heating up to the destabilization temperature. For higher destabilization temperatures (1000 °C), M7C3 secondary carbides formed together with M23C6 and were identifiable by a distinctly different morphology (elongated). It was found that the carbon content of the matrix, a function of the destabilization temperature and subsequent eutectic carbide dissolution, controls the martensite start temperature and has a dominating influence on bulk-hardness.

MICROSTRUCTURE EVOLUTION AND PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS IN MICROALLOYED ARMOX 500T STEEL DURING A DILATATION PROCESS

With this work we successfully developed two modified Armox 500T alloys using microalloying with different amounts of niobium (Nb) and boron (B) to obtain a finer grain size, which in return enhances the remnant properties. Furthermore, different heat-treatment cycles were designed and performed using a quenching dilatometer to study the combined effect of thermal cycling and microalloying with Nb and B on the microstructure and transformation temperatures including the start and finish temperature of the austenite transformation (Ac1, Ac3) and the martensite start and finish temperature (Ms, Mf) of the investigated alloys. Dilatometry results show that increasing the content of Nb from 0.07 w/% to 0.13 w/% and B from 0.0035 to 0.0046 w/% increases the temperature range between Ac1 and Ac3 by 55 °C, indicating a broader range for changing heat-treatment temperatures. In addition, the Ms temperature is reduced by 13 °C due to austenite refinement caused by the microalloying of Nb and B. The effect of the annealing temperature at a constant heating rate showed a significant impact on the austenite grain size and hardness. Furthermore, the kinetics of phase transformations were theoretically studied using Thermo-Calc, and the numerical predictions were confirmed experimentally with dilatometry results. Metallography investigations using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an optical microscope (OM) were conducted to evaluate the microstructure evolution of the developed alloys. Hardness tests were performed to evaluate the effect of the grain refinement of martensite lathes caused by microalloying with Nb, B, and heat-treatment thermal cycling. It is found that the hardness of the modified Armox alloys in this research was improved by 14 % in comparison with the conventional Armox 500T.

Analysis of Prediction Mechanisms and Feature Importance of Martensite Start Temperature of Alloy Steel via Explainable Artificial Intelligence

This study proposes a machine learning model to predict the martensite start temperature (Ms) of alloy steels. We collected 219 usable data from the literature, and Adjusted the hyperparameters to propose an accurate machine-learning model. Artificial neural networks (ANN) exhibited the best performance compared with existing empirical equation. The prediction mechanisms and feature importance of the ANN with regards to the whole system were discussed via the Shapley additive explanation (SHAP).

Effect of refined multi-scale microstructures on the ultra-high impact toughness of bainitic steel austempered below Ms temperature

In this study, the multi-scale microstructures of bainitic steel were refined to different degrees by austempering below Ms (martensite start temperature). The influence of multi-scale microstructures and their boundaries on impact toughness was analyzed. The results revealed that the impact toughness of bainitic steel significantly improved as the austempering temperature decreased. The block structure and Bain groups are refined by austempering below Ms, thereby introducing high-density HAGBs (high-angle grain boundaries) and increasing crack propagation resistance. The proportion of V2, V3, and V5 variants increased and formed HAGBs with the V1 variant, which regulated phase transformation strain and delayed crack formation. The improvement in impact toughness can be attributed to the formation of more HAGBs. This is mainly caused by the refinement of the block structure. Therefore, the block structure can be considered as the dominating and effective controlling unit of impact toughness.

Phase‐field modeling of stress‐ and temperature‐induced hysteresis behavior of shape memory alloys incorporating rate‐independent dissipation

AbstractShape memory alloys (SMAs) are a unique class of multifunctional materials, which exhibit distinctive thermomechanical properties. They are primarily characterized by their ability to recover their original shape under stress and temperature‐controlled loading scenarios. This exceptional property is attributed to the phase transformation that occurs within these alloys, wherein SMAs undergo reversible transition between austenite and multi‐variant martensite phases. The phase transformation in SMAs during a complete load cycle results in a hysteresis, which represent the dissipated energy in the transformation cycle. More specifically, SMAs exhibit a rate‐independent response to a sufficiently slow loading, so that their cyclic response is characterized by a hysteresis loop that maintains a finite width even when the external loading rate approaches zero. Understanding and accurately predicting the rate‐independent hysteresis behavior of SMAs is therefore crucial for their efficient utilization in various engineering applications. In this regard, the phase‐field method has emerged as an appropriate modeling framework resolving the evolution of complex interface topologies as observed in phase‐transforming solids. However, the majority of already existing models typically rely on rate‐dependent formulations and thus remain incapable of reproducing thermoelastic hysteresis behavior at quasi‐static loading scenarios. To overcome this issue, a thermomechanically coupled—and variationally consistent—Allen–Cahn based phase‐field approach incorporating both rate‐dependent and ‐independent driving force formulations is introduced in this work. In order to demonstrate potential applications of the proposed model, two‐dimensional finite‐element simulations were performed to resolve the microstructure formation of twinned martensite in ZrO2. In addition, rate‐dependent and ‐independent stress‐ and temperature‐induced hysteresis curves are predicted qualitatively within the given approach, thus proving its adaptability. Furthermore, the influence of model specific parameters on resulting austenitic and martensitic start and finish temperatures is discussed for cyclic undercooling simulations. The proposed model is thus shown to serve as a valuable tool for the design and optimization of SMA‐based devices.