Pii: S1359-6462(00)00465-6

To determine flow curves of a material, whose plastic deformation is produced by martensitic transformation, transformation strains of a martensite plate must be characterized [1–3]. Most studies along this line adopt results obtained by the phenomenological crystallographic theory of martensitic transformation [4,5]. The theory is based on finite deformation analysis, which needs involved computations. Solutions with analytical forms have been obtained in a few limited cases [6]. However, if we take an infinitesimal deformation theory, the calculation becomes simplified. Moreover, the infinitesimal theory offers simple and clear pictures of the computations. The present study demonstrates this point. Also, if stress analysis is involved as in polycrystal transformation plasticity [1–3], infinitesimal theory is rather adequate, since stress analysis is usually based on infinitesimal theory. That is, consistency with using Hooke’s law is observed.