Abstract
In terms of continuum mechanics a twin is represented by the sudden appearance of a shear eigenstrain state in a distinct region. The corresponding elastic strain energy, the interface energy and the energy dissipated due to the irreversible character of the deformation process are investigated. If the total amount of these energy terms, spent by the twinning process, can be provided by the interaction energy of an external and/or internal stress state with respect to the twin shear eigenstrain, then either a deformation twin band or a twin nucleus may appear. Realistic estimations of the dimensions of deformation twins can be presented. This energetic interpretation of twinning is experimentally demonstrated for intermetallic TiAl.
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