Ferroelasticity and related properties of crystals

Abstract This article reviews at an introductory level the main concepts used in the description of ferroelasticity and other related properties of crystals, viz. ferrobielasticity, ferroelastoelectricity, ferromagnetoelasticity, ferrotrielasticity, and ferrogyrotropy. The symmetry and phase-transition aspects of these properties are emphasized; these aspects also form the basis for understanding the domain structure of these crystals. The relationship between ferroelastic transitions and martensitic transitions is explored. A brief discussion of the existing and potential applications of ferroelastic and related materials is also included.