The martensitic (also called displacive or diffusionless) transformation is a classical cooperative phenomenon in solids similar to ferromagnetism. Although the displacement of each atom is not large, the transformation results in a macroscopic change in shape, since all of the atoms move in the same direction in a domain or variant. As a result, unique properties arise, such as the shape-memory effect and superelasticity, whose characteristics are quite distinct from those of normal metals and alloys. Because of these unique properties, shape-memory alloys (SMAs) have been used as new functional materials for applications such as couplings, sensors, actuators, and antennas for cellular phones. In this issue of MRS Bulletin, we present an overview of recent progress in this field. In this introductory article, we discuss fundamental notions, such as the mechanism of the shape-memory effect, the martensitic transformation, and superelasticity, along with examples of applications and other important recent topics not treated in the following articles. It will be shown that progress in the science and technology of shape-memory alloys has been achieved by the side-by-side development of fundamentals and applications.

Shape-memory alloys are now widely used because they exhibit a large recoverable strain, which is caused by the conversion of variants in the martensite phase. The conversion of variants is usually promoted by the application of external stress. Recently, however, it was found that the conversion of variants can also be promoted by the application of a magnetic field to induce the martensitic state in ferromagnetic Ni2MnGa shape-memory alloys. Since then, the research in this field has focused considerable attention on applications for using the materials as actuators and sensors because their response to a magnetic field is much faster than their response to heating or cooling. Furthermore, the mechanism of the conversion of variants by the magnetic field has attracted academic interest from many researchers. In this article, we show giant magnetostrictive behavior in three ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys—Ni2MnGa, Fe-Pd, and Fe3Pt—and review the investigations performed so far by many researchers, including the present authors.

The martensitic transformation has so far been studied without considering its interaction with point defects. In this article, we shall show that such interaction, which stems from a universal symmetry property of point defects, can create a rich spectrum of exotic multiscale phenomena in martensitic materials. These phenomena include unique short-range diffusion at the atomic or nano level, remarkable domain-pattern memory at the mesoscopic level, and peculiar rubber-like behavior and aging-induced two-way shape memory at the macroscopic level. Exotic multiscale phenomena may also be found in a wide range of transforming materials, such as ferroelastic, ferroelectric, and ferromagnetic materials. These novel effects may provide new opportunities for these important materials.